“On September 11th, Bernie Kerik and I saved each other’s lives,” Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said in a statement to Newsmax.

“If we weren’t already friends, that bound us together forever,” Giuliani added. “He was my best friend, a true Patriot, and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known.

“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. He served as Commissioner of Rikers Island, where he reduced violence by over 90%. CBS’s 60 Minutes described his work at Rikers as the best example of how to take the worst jail in America and make it the best.

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