U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff will reflect on his time in office and discuss the nation’s preparedness at a special 9 a.m. appearance on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Kean University in Union.
A former U.S. Attorney in New Jersey and Elizabeth native, Chertoff has served as the country’s chief security officer since 2005.
Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), a friend of Chertoff’s, arranged the speaking event with the college.
“I thought it was a nice way for him to round out his career,” said Bramnick, who called Chertoff one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the country.
On Wednesday, Chertoff issued a statement lauding his successor, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Homeland Security secretary.
"I have had the good fortune of knowing and working with Governor Janet Napolitano for years," read the statement, "going back to our days as prosecutors. She has a tremendous intellect and possesses the leadership and sound judgment needed to make the difficult decisions that this job presents.
"The men and women of this department have been keenly focused for more than a year on facilitating a smooth transition for the incoming leadership team.Janet is an excellent choice for Secretary of Homeland Security, and I look forward to working with her as she prepares for this awesome responsibility."
