When someone achieves success, fame and recognition greater than the average person, they become a topic of discussion, a role model and inspiration for others – and the subject of envy. When that person continuously succeeds and prospers, those who admire that person justify their admiration and admire them even more – but when that person is disgraced – those who viewed that person as a subject of envy devour that person like a fresh kill…

…and sadly – that is what is happening to Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.

I do not know him as a person, but there were many occasions following the September 11th atrocity that I worked very closely with him. In fact, in a column I wrote called, On Top Of “The Pile” on October 5, 2001, I wrote how I escorted the press to a Site visit with then Police Commissioner Kerik: “As myself, Police Commissioner Kerik and the members of the press made our way up the makeshift ramp to the middle of the site and the top of The Pile, I felt my heart tighten as we got closer and closer to our destination. When we made it to The Pile, I looked down and saw a hole that was at least fifty feet deep – full of twisted, burning debris – and rescue workers inside the hole still desperately trying to find survivors.”

Each time I interacted with Commissioner Kerik, it was all business. No matter what was going on around him, he was always focused on what he had to do. I remember when I arranged for the superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment to come to the OEM Command Center to visit the workers who had put their lives on hold to help put our City back together, I was standing next The Undertaker when Commissioner Kerik walked by. Anxious to meet him, The Undertaker reached out his hand to Kerik to introduce himself – and I remember Commissioner Kerik simply saying hello to him and going about his business – not even caring about who the Undertaker was.

Seeing him now embroiled in the mess he is in saddens me. From extramarital affairs to ties to mob-related contractors to an illegal nanny – it is a mess that even Rudy Giuliani is embarrassed by – and justifiably so. I am not saying that Kerik is innocent and that he did nothing wrong, I am just saying that regardless of whatever will surface – I think he would have done a great job as Director of Homeland Security.

Considering that we have a thief and a liar as our current President should make Kerik a shoe-in. In the world of politics, everyone has a skeleton or two in their closet – but that does not mean that they cannot do their job. John F. Kennedy had extramarital affairs, Thomas Jefferson had sex with his female slaves – and J. Edgar Hoover wore a dress – and they are still all recognized as prominent leaders in our history. Having Kerik at the helm of the most important branch of our Government would have made me feel safe. I have seen the man in action and I know what he can do under the worst of circumstances – and I think that not giving him the job was a mistake.

Whatever awaits Kerik now, it will be harder to deal with than anything he would have had to face as Director of Homeland Security.

Good luck Mr. Kerik – you’re gonna need it.