Rudy Giuliani Remembers His Best Friend Bernie Kerik as a True Patriot

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, is mourning the passing of his dear friend and former police commissioner, Bernard “Bernie” Kerik. The grief stemming from this loss is profound, as Giuliani described it as “inexpressible.” Kerik, who passed away at 69 years old, reportedly battled illness privately before his death, as noted by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Both Giuliani and Kerik played significant roles during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, becoming celebrated figures in the aftermath due to their leadership. Their mutual experiences during that catastrophic event forged a close bond between them.

Remembering Shared Valor on 9/11

Giuliani expressed poignant memories of their time together on that fateful day, stating, “On September 11th, Bernie Kerik and I saved each other’s lives. If we weren’t already friends, that bound us together forever. He was my best friend, a true patriot, and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known.”

Kerik was by Giuliani’s side merely twenty minutes after the attacks commenced, remaining steadfast throughout the chaos. The pair found themselves trapped when the first tower collapsed, enduring about twenty to thirty minutes in a building before managing to escape. They credited their rescue to “substantial additional assistance” and a determination characterized by the extraordinary bravery that would shape the recovery efforts in the months that followed.

Giuliani praised Kerik’s guidance, saying his leadership helped the frightened residents of New York City to draw strength from their inherent resilience as both Americans and children of God.

Celebrating a Legacy of Law Enforcement

In his tribute, Giuliani highlighted Kerik’s illustrious career in law enforcement, underscoring his impact as the Commissioner of Rikers Island, where he successfully reduced prison violence by an astonishing ninety percent. Giuliani also pointed to Kerik’s term as NYPD commissioner, during which he notably lowered crime rates across the city.

Describing Kerik’s dedication to public service, Giuliani remarked, “He was driven by an unwavering love of this country and a commitment to serving others. He was one of the most decorated New York City police officers of his time.”

A Life Recognized by Honors

Kerik’s 35-year career was punctuated by more than one hundred awards for meritorious and heroic service. His numerous accolades included a presidential commendation for heroism presented by President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the Department of Homeland Security.

In 2004, Kerik was considered for a significant role as Homeland Security chief. However, complications arose during the vetting process due to misstatements he made, leading to a guilty plea on eight felonies, including tax fraud, in 2009. He subsequently served approximately three years in prison before transitioning to home confinement and, later, supervised release.

In a notable turn of events, President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik of those convictions in 2020.

Renewed Collaborations

After his release, Kerik resumed working with Giuliani to investigate claims of election fraud linked to the 2020 presidential election, showcasing his enduring commitment to public life and legal matters.

A Lasting Impact

Expressing heartfelt condolences, Giuliani reached out to Kerik’s family, including his wife, two daughters, and a son who also serves as a police officer. He succinctly stated that all of Kerik’s friends and admirers are undoubtedly “much better for knowing him,” encapsulating the heartfelt sentiment shared by many in response to Kerik’s passing.

This loss resonates deeply within the community, reflecting not only the personal bond Giuliani shared with Kerik but also the significant impact Kerik had throughout his career, both in law enforcement and beyond.

Report contributed by Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Andrea Margolis.