US appoints first Turkish-American Muslim police chief
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Ibrahim “Mike” Baycora, who was sworn in as the police chief of Paterson City in New Jersey with his hand on a copy of the Holy Quran, has become the first Turkish-American police chief in the history of the United States.
Ibrahim was sworn in as Paterson’s 17th police chief at a ceremony at city hall on February 4. He has been serving the city’s police department for more than 30 years now.
The ceremony began with the national anthem and prayers and was attended by members of the Turkish community in New York and New Jersey, senior officials from the Paterson local government and Ibrahim's family members and relatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said, “Merhaba,” “Hoşgeldiniz” and “Nasılsın?” in the Turkish language, meaning ‘Hello,’ ‘Welcome’ and ‘How are you?’
Sayegh said Ibrahim is the first Turkish-American police chief in the US. “He will be the first Muslim police chief in the city of Paterson,” he said.
Ibrahim said: “As a kid from the east side of Paterson who grew up here attending school, Paterson has been my home for the better part of half a century.”
“Paterson has been in my blood my whole life, and now to be its police chief after a 32-year career — what an honour.”
Born in Turkey’s western province of Eskişehir, Ibrahim was brought to the United States as an infant. His family settled in Paterson. He went through the city’s public school system and graduated from Eastside High School. He enrolled at Rutgers University and double majored in business administration and chemical engineering. He earned both degrees.