Sabbir Ahmed was sworn in as a New York City police officer on Wednesday, pledging to carry forward the legacy of his late brother-in-law, Detective Didarul Islam, who was killed in the line of duty last year. The ceremony took place at the Police Academy in Queens, where Ahmed joined a graduating class of 755 new recruits.

Ahmed, 27, immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh at age 14 and has long aspired to join the police force. He said that it was Islam’s encouragement that motivated him to complete his college education before pursuing a career with the NYPD. Islam was killed in a mass shooting on July 28, 2025, when a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

At the time of the attack, Islam was providing security details at the building and was struck by the first fatal shot. The assailant, 27-year-old Shane Tamura, went on to kill three others before taking his own life. Islam left behind a pregnant wife who gave birth to their youngest son shortly after the incident.

Reflecting on his brother-in-law’s advice, Ahmed said Islam had been candid about the risks and stresses associated with police work but emphasized the importance of helping people in need. “I want to be a great police officer and I want to serve the community and I want to help whoever needs help,” Ahmed said following the ceremony.

Ahmed’s parents expressed pride and happiness that he was following in Islam’s footsteps despite the family’s profound loss. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch paid tribute to Islam’s sacrifice during the event, noting his commitment to protecting New Yorkers.

“Sabbir, your family has already given so much to this department as you begin your own career in the NYPD. We are especially proud to welcome you into our ranks,” Tisch said. She also acknowledged the dedication required of new officers, calling law enforcement “one of the noblest callings a person can take on.”

Ahmed’s swearing-in marked a moment of both remembrance and renewal as the NYPD welcomed its latest cohort of officers tasked with serving the city.