NEW YORK: Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, City leaders and NYPD officials gathered Tuesday to honor Detective First Grade Didarul Islam one year after his death, remembering his courage, service, and lasting community impact on the first anniversary of his death.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and 47th Precinct leaders attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bronx precinct. The event remembered Detective Islam’s service, sacrifice, and commitment to his community.
The ceremony began with the national anthem performed by Police Officer Samantha Sefonte. Members of the NYPD, elected officials, community leaders, and the Islam family joined the tribute.
Officials honored Detective Islam as a dedicated officer, loving father, and respected member of Parkchester’s Bangladeshi-American community.
Leaders Remember Detective Islam’s Service and Sacrifice
Mayor Mamdani paid tribute to Detective Islam’s family, fellow officers, and the residents of Parkchester. He called it a privilege to honor the life and memory of the fallen detective.
Mamdani said Islam represented the values of duty, compassion, humility, and service. He highlighted Islam’s commitment to helping others both on and off duty.
The mayor recalled that Islam worked an extra security shift at 345 Park Avenue exactly one year earlier. He said Islam volunteered despite it being his day off after a demanding week with the NYPD.
Islam was supporting his wife, Jamilla, and their two young children while preparing for the arrival of their third child.
Mamdani said Islam viewed extra work as a way to protect and support others. He described him as generous, hardworking, and deeply connected to his community.
Detective Islam’s Legacy Lives Through Family and Community
The mayor said Islam supported relatives in Bangladesh and helped raise funds for Masjid Bilal in Parkchester. He also mentored young people and encouraged them to join the NYPD.
Mamdani said Islam helped his brother-in-law, Officer Hassan Kamrul, obtain his learner’s permit and first job. He also described Islam as a caring landlord and reliable neighbor.
The mayor said Islam died protecting others during one of New York City’s deadliest mass shootings in decades. He said Islam placed himself between an assault rifle and other New Yorkers seeking safety.
Mamdani expressed sympathy to Islam’s wife, children, relatives, and fellow officers. He said the detective’s kindness continues through the people he helped.
He added that Islam’s legacy reflects the Islamic concept of Sadaqah Jariyah, where good deeds continue beyond a person’s lifetime.
NYPD Honors Fallen Detective’s Enduring Impact
Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said Detective Islam’s absence remains deeply felt by his family and colleagues at the 47th Precinct.
Tisch said many people know Islam because of how he died, but his colleagues remember the larger story of his life. She described him as a devoted husband, father, and dependable police officer.
The commissioner said Islam earned the trust of fellow officers through professionalism and dedication. She praised his commitment to his family and his department.
Tisch also recognized the work of the 47th Precinct during the year following Islam’s death. She announced that Deputy Inspector Muhammad Ashraf would be promoted to inspector.
She said the NYPD would continue supporting Islam’s family. Tisch added that Detective Islam would always remain part of the 47th Precinct’s history.
Colleagues Recall Detective Islam’s Character
Deputy Inspector Muhammad Ashraf remembered Islam as a compassionate officer who treated everyone with respect.
Ashraf said the department returned to the ceremony not because time erased the pain, but because officers promised never to forget him.
He described Islam as calm under pressure, dependable, and always willing to help others. Colleagues remembered his kindness, professionalism, and habit of checking on people around him.
Ashraf said officers often shared meals with Islam during overnight shifts. He recalled how Islam regularly called colleagues simply to ask if they needed anything.
Ashraf said Islam’s youngest son, Arham, was born after his father’s death. He said Arham would grow up knowing his father’s honor and sacrifice.
The precinct commander also reflected on Islam’s immigrant journey. He said Islam believed in America’s promise and built a life through hard work, faith, and determination.
Ashraf said Islam became a police officer, protector, and role model whose legacy continues through his family, colleagues, and community.
