For the first time, a Pakistani-American police officer has been selected to head the New York Police Department’s volunteer force.
Nasir Saleem, a 30-year-old veteran of the New York police, became the first Pakistani and Muslim to be appointed as the auxiliary deputy chief of the nearly 5,000-strong force.
He was inducted into the new assignment at a grand ceremony. The event witnessed the presence of senior police officials and members of the Pakistani community.
The volunteer force serves in the city’s neighbourhoods as the “eyes and ears” of the regular police through the foot, vehicle, and bicycle patrols.
"It’s a great honour. I am speechless. I dedicate my new title to Pakistan," Saleem told reporters after assuming charge.
Captain Adeel Rana and Lt Zaigham Abbas, fellow Pakistani-American police officers, pinned badges on Saleem's uniform.
Auxiliary police officers are trained to observe and report on conditions requiring the services of the regular police, assisting in non-enforcement and non-hazardous duties.
New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo took to twitter to congratulate Saleem.
“Our @NYPDauxiliary officers serve this city day in & day out, in all types of weather, and every community- and it’s all volunteer work. Congrats to Nasir Saleem on his promotion as the first Muslim Auxiliary Deputy Chief. His 28 years & 14k hours does not go unnoticed,” Fausto tweeted.
