The Bronx, New York — In a moving tribute to fallen NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, his two young sons received full scholarships as a gesture of support from the NFL and a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding the families of slain service members and first responders. The emotional ceremony took place at the 47th Precinct, where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Folds of Honor Founder Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney presented the scholarships to seven-year-old Ahyan Islam and five-year-old Azhaan Islam.
Detective Islam tragically lost his life on July 28 during a violent incident at 345 Park Avenue, where he was providing security for the NFL offices. An armed assailant entered the building and opened fire, claiming Detective Islam and three others. Goodell described Islam as a “hero” who was well-known and respected by colleagues and members of the community. He expressed hope that the support offered to the family would help ease their burden as they navigate this difficult time.
Islam’s brother-in-law, Officer Kamrul Hasan, conveyed his gratitude to the NFL and Folds of Honor for their unwavering commitment to supporting the family. He shared that the aftermath of Islam’s death has been particularly challenging for the children, who are still grappling with their loss. Hasan pointed out that while Ahyan has some understanding of the event, Azhaan is too young to fully grasp that their father will not be coming home.
In an emotional moment, Hasan recounted a conversation with Azhaan, who expressed distress following his father’s death. “He said, ‘I’m not gonna sleep because I saw my father. Somebody hurt his stomach. He’s bleeding. I can’t sleep,’” Hasan recalled. “A few minutes ago, he saw an ambulance and asked me, ‘Is it bringing my father back today?’ These are the things the family is dealing with.”
Ahyan, the elder son, spoke fondly of his father, recalling their daily routines. “Before I woke up, he used to wake up every day at 5 a.m., eat, and get ready for work. I would watch him leave for work from the window,” he said. Amidst the sorrow, Ahyan expressed a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a police officer himself. “I love him 100%,” he added, showcasing the deep bond shared between father and son.
Folds of Honor, the organization behind the scholarships, is dedicated to providing educational support to families impacted by such tragic losses. The program aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with pursuing education, allowing families to honor their loved ones’ sacrifices while securing brighter futures for the next generation.
As the ceremony unfolded, it served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel and the critical support needed for their families in times of tragedy. The commitment of both the NFL and Folds of Honor signals a broader recognition of these sacrifices and a dedication to ensuring that those left behind are not forgotten.