US city appoints first Turkish-American police chief
İbrahim "Mike" Baycora has become the first Turkish-American police chief in the history of the United States. He was sworn in with his left hand on a copy of the Quran as the police chief of the city of Paterson in New Jersey.
Duvar English / Anadolu Agency
İbrahim "Mike" Baycora was sworn in as police chief on Feb. 4 in the U.S. city of Paterson in New Jersey, making him the first Turkish-American police chief in the history of the country.
Baycora was sworn in with his left hand on a copy of the Quran as Paterson’s 17th police chief during a ceremony at city hall. He has been serving at the city's police department for more than three decades.
Theceremony began with the national anthem and prayers and was attendedby members of the Turkish community in New York and New Jersey,senior officials from Paterson’s local government and Baycora'sfamily 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 Baycora is the first Turkish-American police chief in the U.S. “He will be the first Muslim police chief in the city of Paterson," Sayegh said.
Baycora also took the floor during the ceremony saying: "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 honor."
Bornin Turkey's western province of Eskişehir, Baycora was brought tothe U.S. as an infant. His family settled in Paterson. Hewent through the city’s public school system and graduated fromEastside High School. He enrolledat Rutgers University and double majored in business administrationand chemical engineering. He earned both degrees.