President Bush has chosen Bernard Kerik, who served as New York police commissioner when the 9/11 attack happened, to head the Department of Homeland Security.
“Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders of law enforcement in America,” Bush said as he nominated Kerik to fill the shoes of Tom Ridge, who recently resigned from his position as the first Secretary of Homeland Security.
Kerik, whose appointment must be confirmed by the senate, said in a press conference that after witnessing 9/11 firsthand he fully understands the importance of such a position.
“I saw hatred claim the lives of 2,400 innocent people, and I saw the bravest men and women I will ever know rescue more than 20,000 others. Both the memory of those courageous souls and the horrors I saw inflicted upon our proud nation will serve as permanent reminders of the awesome responsibility you place in my charge,” Kerik said.