Former NYPD Commissioner Howard Safir – who oversaw a historic drop in crime in the late 1990s and left an indelible mark on the nation’s largest police force – died in Annapolis, Maryland, on Monday. He is 81 years old.
Safir, a Bronx native with a decades-long career in law enforcement, was named the city’s top cop by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1996, and served until 2000 – establishing the NYPD’s Courtesy, Professionalism & Respect program, a motto which still remains. painted on the side of every police vehicle to this day.
“A public servant for more than three decades, Commissioner Safir dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of others,” said current NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
Safir was “a committed and dynamic leader whose pioneering work in fugitive apprehension, illegal drug enforcement, and officer training is still being emulated today,” Caban said.
Howard Safir, former NYPD commissioner from 1996 to 2000, died at age 81 on September 11, 2023. Christopher Sadowski
“This most noble act has guided him throughout – and on behalf of the entire New York City Police Department and everyone we serve, I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and loved ones,” he added.
Born on February 24, 1942 to George Safir and Rose (Weiner) Safir, the civil servant began his law enforcement career in 1965 as a federal narcotics agent in New York, and later worked undercover for the then-newly formed Narcotics. Enforcement Administration, before holding a leadership position with the US Marshals.
Before serving as New York City’s 39th police commissioner, he led the FDNY from 1994 to 1996, here described as reserved, but dedicated.
Bronx Patrol Chief Joan Jaffe called Safir “the best police commissioner” New York has had in years when he resigned in 2000 following a historic drop in crime in the Big Apple. New York Post
“Commissioner Safir embodies why each of us is here; to serve,” NYPD Ret. Chief Joseph Fox, told The Post Tuesday.
“What I admire most about him is that he always finds the right balance between public safety, and the people. He knows the two are inseparable.”
Even after leaving the NYPD, Safir remained outspoken on the subject of crime in the city and around the country, appearing as a regular commentator and columnist on Fox News.
Even after leaving the NYPD, Safir remained vocal about how to help reduce crime in the city.
In the last years of his life, Safir, who founded his own intelligence and security firm, advocated for tighter gun control.
Last year, he floated the idea that those buying firearms in the city would have to do an annual security check-in so authorities could make sure the guns weren’t lost or sold to unknown parties.
When he’s not busy dealing with crime, Safir enjoys his days sailing, golfing and taking pictures.
Rose Safir gives her son a kiss during his swearing-in ceremony in 1996. 4.15.96
He is survived by his widow Carol Safir, children Jennifer and Adam and grandchildren Audrey, Hudson, Cara and Alexander.
Safir is also survived by his sister Elaine Siegel and brother Sheldon Safir.
Services will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home in Annapolis on September 20.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and St. Mary’s Children’s Research Hospital. Jude.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/