Remembering a Hero
He will forever be their hero.
The sons of an NYPD officer, tragically killed in the recent mass shootings on Park Avenue, idolized their father. They’d show him off to classmates, dress up in similar attire, and even mimic his stride.
Ahiyan, the eldest son of Officer Didalur Islam, proudly donned NYPD blues at his Bronxdale kindergarten. A teacher who had taught both boys shared her memories of them.
“He once said, ‘I wear a police uniform like my father,’” recalled teacher Tajiwatti Singh, referring to the now seven-year-old. “He truly looked and acted like a police officer, complete with a blue uniform and hat. He walked with such confidence.”
On Father’s Day this past June, Islam arrived at the classroom holding hands with his son.
“With his dad’s hand in his, he declared to the class, ‘My dad is a police officer,’ glowing with pride,” said Singh. “It was the first time he seen his dad in uniform. Usually, he worked late and didn’t wear it much.”
Sadly, Islam’s life was cut short when he was shot on Monday evening by Shane Tamura, who was armed with an AR-15 while approaching the NFL headquarters. Tamura fired multiple rounds, resulting in four deaths and leaving one person injured before taking his own life.
Interestingly, Tamura, only 27, had no known connections to the NFL, though he criticized the organization. Details about his mental state remain unclear.
When Singh received the news of Islam’s passing early Tuesday, it left her heartbroken.
It’s hard to believe that such a young life could be taken so quickly. Singh recounted the last time she saw him, just before the school year ended in June. “I told him, ‘You look very handsome in your uniform.’ He always greeted me so warmly,” she said.
Singh could clearly see how proud the children were of Islam. “They always talked about their dad and how cool he was,” she remembered.
Her worries extend to Islam’s widow, Jamila Akhter. “She’s going to struggle. The young child doesn’t even know his dad,” Singh noted.
Islam’s funeral is set for Thursday at the Bronx Mosque, with Mayor Adams expected to speak.
“We never imagined losing someone so kind, so quickly,” remarked one relative. “My mother is sweet and always smiling. It feels surreal.”
Chloe Pashman, the kindergarten education director, requested that the school’s name not be disclosed, emphasizing the closeness of the community and the need for support during these tough times.
“We see ourselves as family. This news has been incredibly devastating,” she said. “Nearby police officers have always been very supportive of our school. When tragedies occur like this, it impacts everyone, including us.”
