Howard Safir

Howard Safir (February 24, 1942 – September 11, 2023) was New York City Fire Commissioner from 1994 to 1996 and New York City Police Commissioner from 1996 to 2000.

Sourced

• I’ve told Rudy that as long as he returns my phone calls, I’m here to stay. The day he doesn’t, I’m gone.
  • A statement by Safir regarding his future as New York City Police Commissioner in the wake of calls for his resignation.
    • Jeffrey Goldberg (1998-08-16). "Sore Winner". The New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• He's had a tough life. As is not unusual in Jewish families - if you've ever seen the movie Avalon - I think somebody's cut the turkey on Uncle Louis a few years ago... That doesn't change my view of him when I was young and he was a detective.
  • Safir, reponding to the disparaging comments made about him by his uncle, Louis Weiner (who captured the bandit Willie Sutton)
    • Russ Baker and Josh Benson (1999-05-16). "The Commish Bites Back: Howard Safir Explains His Life to His Critics". The New York Observer. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• For more than four years it has been my honor and my privilege to serve as the leader of the greatest police department in the world. This organization is made up of police officers, detectives and leaders who every day and every night go out and earn the title New York's Finest, and to have the opportunity to lead them and serve the people of New York City is something I have cherished and will always look back on with pride.
  • A statement by Safir in a press release announcing his resignation as New York City Police Commissioner.
    • Archives of the Mayor's Press Office (2000-08-09). "Release #307-00 - MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR ANNOUNCE THAT SAFIR IS LEAVING THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT". The City of New York. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• Firefighters across the country have no greater friend than Rudy Giuliani. Those of us who have worked with Rudy Giuliani know he has always been a strong and consistent supporter of firefighters and first responders. On September 11th and the days that followed Mayor Giuliani once again demonstrated his commitment to the safety and well being of our firefighters and his respect for their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
  • A statement by Safir posted on JoinRudy2008.com, Rudy Giuliani's official presidential campaign website
    • Howard Safir (2007-07-09). "MAYOR GIULIANI’S RECORD OF SUPPORT FOR NEW YORK’S BRAVEST". Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• Mayor Giuliani is a strong and principled leader. I saw firsthand his leadership in helping transform a crime-ridden New York City into the safest large city in our nation, while increasing preparedness by opening the city’s first Office of Emergency Management. He has always shown uncompromising courage in the face of challenges. I am proud to lead First Responders across America who support Rudy for President.
  • A statement by Safir posted on JoinRudy2008.com, Rudy Giuliani's official presidential campaign website anouncing the creation of "First Responders for Rudy"
    • Howard Safir (2007-08-28). "Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition". Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

About

• I don't want anything to do with Howard Safir. If you put my name anywhere in an article about Howard Safir, there will be repercussions.
  • Safir's uncle Louis Weiner (who captured the bandit Willie Sutton)
    • Russ Baker and Josh Benson (1999-05-16). "The Commish Bites Back: Howard Safir Explains His Life to His Critics". The New York Observer. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• Howard Safir is the reason I gave up 19 years in the [U.S.] Marshals Service.
  • veteran lawman Terry Merrifield
    • Russ Baker and Josh Benson (1999-05-16). "The Commish Bites Back: Howard Safir Explains His Life to His Critics". The New York Observer. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• He's pond scum, and you can quote me on that.
  • Charlie Thompson, an award-winning television producer who investigated Safir for ABC's 20/20
    • Russ Baker and Josh Benson (1999-05-16). "The Commish Bites Back: Howard Safir Explains His Life to His Critics". The New York Observer. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• Howard has a strong ego. He [also] had a very strong desire to be perceived as doing a good job, and that combination worked wonders for us... To this day, they love him for what he did.
  • Gerald Shur, a high-ranking Justice Department official who founded the Witness Protection Program, on Safir's efforts to clean up the program.
    • Russ Baker and Josh Benson (1999-05-16). "The Commish Bites Back: Howard Safir Explains His Life to His Critics". The New York Observer. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 

• The renaissance of New York City has been built on a foundation of crime reduction, and for the last four years, Howard Safir has worked tirelessly to increase safety and the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The extent to which he's succeeded—on his watch, crime is down by 38%, and homicide by 44%—is not only remarkable, it's a testament to his skill and dedication. During Howard's tenure, the Department reduced crime by more than it has under any other Police Commissioner. Howard has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. I wish him the best as he begins this new chapter in his life.
  • Rudolph Giuliani, then-Mayor of New York City, announcing the resignation of Howard Safir as New York City Police Commissioner.
    • Archives of the Mayor's Press Office (2000-08-09). "Release #307-00 - MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR ANNOUNCE THAT SAFIR IS LEAVING THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT". The City of New York. Retrieved on 2007-12-20.