The New York Young Republican Club mourns the loss of Bernie Kerik, the 40th Commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and its brightest light in the City’s darkest hour.
On September 11, 2001, Commissioner Kerik arrived at Ground Zero three minutes before the second plane hit the South Tower. From that moment onward, he was the driving force of the recovery effort, helping New York rebuild as America came under attack. Exuding courage and patriotism, Kerik earned the title “America’s Cop,” as his words beamed hope into living rooms across the Five Boroughs.
Kerik was, as well, a close friend of the New York Young Republican Club. “I’ll never forget Commissioner Kerik’s remarks 20 years to the date telling his personal story on 9/11,” said Troy M. Olson, the Club’s Sergeant-at-Arms. Kerik spoke to the Club’s Veterans Caucus on September 11, 2021. “It was weeks after the Afghanistan withdrawal disaster. A lot of veterans of the Global War on Terror era were having a very hard time. After hearing what he had to say that night, things got a lot better. Bernie Kerik was a helper in more ways than we can count.”
By the time Commissioner Kerik left office with Mayor Rudy Giuliani in December 2001, the violent crime rate had dropped an astonishing 63%. With Commissioners Bill Bratton and Howard Safir, he reversed decades of Democrat incompetence that made New York violent and chaotic. He was, as well, a highly decorated officer in the NYPD, receiving 30 medals for his heroism. For outstanding personal bravery, he was awarded the Medal for Valor when he returned fire in a shootout after his partner was shot and wounded. Three times, he talked people down from the top of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The list of his other accomplishments is endless. Following his success in New York, he advised cities and governments across the world on national security and building successful police departments. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kerik was interior minister of the interim Iraqi government. As Commissioner of the City’s Department of Corrections, he reduced violence at Rikers Island, hitherto America’s worst prison, by 90%. He was one of the first victims of left-wing lawfare; a canary in the coal mine for later attacks against President Donald J. Trump. Indeed, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the President through the aftermath of the 2020 election, never wavering in his support.
Commissioner Kerik’s legacy is that of a dedicated public servant who spent decades improving the lives of his countrymen. While the ashes still smoldered on Ground Zero, he helped New York City recover and rebuild. His honesty, integrity, and commitment towards his fellow New Yorkers helped the City rebound from her darkest moment.
For Bernie Kerik was not only the hero Gotham needed, but also the one it deserved.