Brother-in-Law of Slain NYPD Detective Joins Police Force to Honor Legacy
Sabbir Ahmed, whose brother-in-law Detective Didarul Islam was killed in a 2025 mass shooting, was sworn in as an NYPD recruit, vowing to continue his predecessor's commitment to service.
Sabbir Ahmed, the brother-in-law of an NYPD detective who was killed in the line of duty, was sworn in as a police recruit on Wednesday, aiming to carry on his late relative's legacy.
Ahmed, 27, joined 754 other recruits at the Police Academy in Queens, approximately 14 months after Detective Didarul Islam was fatally shot during a mass shooting on Park Avenue. "It was my dream job to become a police officer and [I] want to [carry on] my brother-in-law’s legacy," Ahmed told the New York Post.
Ahmed stated that becoming a police officer had been his aspiration since immigrating to the United States from Bangladesh at age 14. He pursued his degree at Islam's urging before joining the force. Islam had cautioned Ahmed about the inherent dangers of police work, a foreshadowing of his own death on July 28, 2025.
Detective Islam, 36, was on a security detail at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan when Shane Tamura, 27, entered the building's lobby and began firing an assault rifle. Islam was the first victim. Tamura subsequently killed three other individuals before taking his own life.
Islam, who left behind a pregnant wife and two young sons, also had a third son born weeks after the shooting. "[Islam] told me this job comes with a lot of stress, but at the end of the day you could help lots of people, whoever needs your help, and you’ll feel good about yourself," Ahmed recounted. "I want to be a great police officer and I want to serve the community and I want to help whoever needs help."
Despite the profound loss, Ahmed shared that his parents were supportive of his decision to follow in Islam's footsteps. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, speaking at the Wednesday ceremony, acknowledged Islam's sacrifice, stating he was "killed in the line of duty last year while protecting New Yorkers." Tisch also welcomed Ahmed, noting his family's connection to the department and expressing pride in his decision to join the ranks.
"Today, 755 of you raised your right hands and took the oath to serve this city," Tisch told the new recruits. "You are beginning a career that will ask an extraordinary amount of you, and one that I believe is about the noblest callings a person can take on."