Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"We are here, first and foremost, to honor the men and women of law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Mayor Giuliani said. "By any standard, the job of a police officer has always been a tremendous challenge, it is a demanding and difficult job that requires sacrifice. Today's breakfast is a testament to the finest qualities of humanity -- courage, honor, duty and love -- and stands as a tribute to slain officers and their families. To the families present today, we are here to say that New York Shields and the law enforcement community will be here for you and will never forget the sacrifice that your loved ones made.
"This morning, as we honor our fallen heroes, we also recall a man who never wore a shield, but who became a friend of law enforcement officers because of the words he spoke and wrote," Mayor Giuliani continued. "He was a friend of the Police Department, not because anyone told him to be, but because as a journalist, he believed in the goodness, the honor and the integrity of the uniform. I'm speaking of Eric Breindel, who was taken from us too soon. Eric was a very close friend of mine and of many other people here today. In fact, four years ago Eric received the Law Enforcement Support Award, the same honor being given to George Martin today.
"Eric always sought to find the truth, whether or not it was uncomfortable, no matter how complex it seemed. He understood that at base, no issue is too complicated to grasp as a moral issue. And when we consider a moral question, he understood that it is our obligation to do what is right. Not only was Eric brave enough to speak his mind no matter how unpopular, but he considered it imperative to speak with clarity, honesty, and most of all, integrity.
"Today, in giving the first annual Eric Briendel Award for Journalistic Integrity to Roger Ailes, we honor someone who has, like Eric, always strived to understand, not to distill. I am proud to present this award to Roger and I am certain that Eric is smiling on this moment," the Mayor concluded.
Joining the Mayor at today's ceremony was Police Commissioner Howard Safir; Correction Commissioner Bernard Kerik; William McCormack, President of the New York Shields; and John Flemming, Founder of the New York Shields.
Founded seven years ago, the New York Shields Inc. is a non-profit fraternal organization comprised of law enforcement personnel from agencies throughout the State of New York. The group was created to offer a strong support system to the families of slain law enforcement officers.
In addition to Roger Ailes, the New York Shields also honored former New York Giant, George Martin and Reginald Ward, Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Foundation.