He led the NYPD from 1996 to 2000 while Rudy Giuliani was mayor. Before he was commissioner of the NYPD, Safir was the fire commissioner from 1994 to 1996.
Safir died in Maryland at 81 years old. His cause of death is not yet known.
Safir's funeral will be held September 20 in Maryland, and celebration of life will be held in New York City at a later date, said his son, Adam Safir.
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