Retired New York Police Department Chief of Department John Chell on Monday told Newsmax that Rudy Giuliani is "an ultimate fighter" and a "true leader."
He offered well wishes as the former New York City mayor remains hospitalized in critical condition but is recovering from pneumonia after being placed on a ventilator.
Speaking on "Bianca Across the Nation," Chell reflected on Giuliani's leadership during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, noting he was present with first responders in the days after the attacks.
"We wish him the best of health," he said. "An ultimate fighter."
Chell said Giuliani did not remain in official residences or offices during the crisis but instead went directly to the disaster site.
"On 9/11 and the days thereafter, he wasn't sitting in Gracie Mansion or City Hall," he said. "He was boots on the ground down at Ground Zero, leading the troops and, quite frankly, leading this city."
Giuliani, who served as mayor from 1994 to 2001, was a central public figure during the city's response and recovery efforts after the attacks on the World Trade Center.
His public briefings and coordination with emergency personnel helped guide New York through the immediate aftermath.
Chell also pointed to the long-term health consequences experienced by many who responded to the attacks, including those who spent extended time at Ground Zero.
"For those of us that were down there, we learned years later that that air was toxic," he said. "And we've lost many people since that who were down at Ground Zero."
Exposure to hazardous dust and debris at the site has been linked to chronic illnesses among first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers. Federal programs have since been established to provide medical monitoring and compensation.
Chell framed Giuliani's current condition within the context of his past leadership during a time of crisis.
"I think here what we have is a true leader, a leader of the city, a mayor," he said. "And he really led us out of a tough time."
Giuliani, 81, has faced a series of health challenges in recent years. No additional details about his condition or prognosis were immediately available.
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Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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