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On the second anniversary of Cmdr. Paul Bauer’s death, Chicago police officers stood outside the Near North District station in snow and below-freezing temperatures, ringing a ceremonial bell 29 times to honor his service.

His wife, Erin Bauer, said those who knew her husband knew he wasn’t one for the spotlight, and he was probably looking down shaking his head at the ceremony. But as his wife, she said she was grateful the community took the time to appreciate him.

“There are days when it seems like it was just yesterday, that’s how fresh the pain still is,” Erin Bauer said.

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot told Erin Bauer and her daughter, Grace, that the city will continue to support the family in any way it can.

“We will always be there for you, throughout your lives, as you have given everything for us,” Lightfoot said. “We will celebrate the achievements and milestones in your lives, big and small.”

On Feb. 13, 2018, Bauer was parked in his police vehicle near Clark and Lake streets when he overheard a radio call for a fleeing suspect, whom authorities have since identified as 46-year-old Shomari Legghette.

Bauer spotted the man and chased him to the top of the stairs outside the Thompson Center. There was a struggle and the man stumbled down the stairs, while Bauer either fell or followed him down to the landing.

Legghette then pulled out a handgun and fired seven shots, hitting Bauer six times, prosecutors have said.

Legghette is expected to stand trial this year on first-degree murder charges.

This week, the Bauer family filed a lawsuit against the online gun dealer Armslist, alleging it facilitated the sale of a Glock 26 9 mm that authorities say Legghette used in the shooting.

Bauer had been a Chicago police officer for 31 years and was commander of the Near North District. He was the highest-ranking Chicago officer killed in decades.

His killing resulted in a federal conviction for an unlicensed gun dealer and spurred legislation that gives the state more oversight over Illinois gun dealers.