Bernard Kerik, Former NYPD Commissioner, Leaves Prison After Three Years (VIDEO)

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik was freed from a federal prison in Maryland Tuesday after serving a three-year sentence.

Kerik-- who Mayor Rudy Giuliani tapped as top cop in 2001 and who was later nominated in 2004 by President George W. Bush to head the Department of Homeland Security-- was put behind bars in 2010 after pleading guilty to multiple counts of corruption.

Although widely regarded as a hero for leading the NYPD through the attacks on September 11, 2001, Kerik was charged with tax fraud, lying on a loan application, and lying to the White House during the vetting process to head the DHS.

A high-school dropout, Kerik was a bodyguard for Giuliani during his first, unsuccessful run for mayor. When later elected to City Hall, Giuliani promoted Kerik to NYPD Commissioner, despite Kerik having only reached the rank of detective.

Kerik was released early from his four-year sentence, but will have to spend a few months confined to his Franklin Lakes, New Jersey home, which he shares with his wife, two daughters, and a German Shepherd.

WNBC reports Kerik is expected to celebrate his release Tuesday night over a big meal with 20 guests.