Bernard Kerik, Commish, Passes Away
Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik died unexpectedly after a brief illness. He was 69. After his term heading the largest police department in the nation, Kerik ran into legal problems, some of which smelled slightly of being set-ups.
But no one should forget how he stood side-by-side with Mayor Rudi Giuliani under the second tower on 9/11, just before the second plane hit it. Both he and Rudi barely escaped with their lives. But they stuck together and kept the city from falling apart on that awful day.
People come as packages, with both the good and the bad bound together by unbreakable shrink-wrap. We must take them as they are, warts and all, the way we hope others will take us, despite our faults.
Rest in peace, Bernie. We’ll remember you next to Rudi, risking death to do your duty. May we all be remembered that way.
