Pennsylvania — Siddiq Kamara was sworn in on Monday, January 5, 2026, as the new Sheriff of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, marking several historic milestones in local law enforcement. At just 30 years old, Kamara becomes not only the youngest sheriff in the county’s history but also the first African immigrant to hold the office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Born to Liberian parents and raised in Upper Darby, Kamara attended Upper Darby High School before beginning a career in public service. Prior to his election, he served as a police officer in Yeadon Borough and spent six years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He has also worked as an agent with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and served on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s executive security detail.
Kamara’s decision to pursue the sheriff’s office was deeply personal. He has spoken publicly about the impact of a family tragedy that shaped his commitment to community safety and law enforcement reform. The death of his 8-year-old cousin, Fanta Bility , who was killed by police gunfire in August 2021, motivated him to advocate for changes in police training and accountability.
In his remarks following the swearing-in ceremony, Kamara emphasized that his age and perspective are strengths in leading the sheriff’s department into the future. “We need new blood, new leadership, and new vision in the line of law enforcement,” he told reporters. His stated goals for his four-year term include modernizing the department and expanding community engagement efforts.
Kamara won the sheriff’s race with strong voter support, securing nearly 63% of the vote in the November 2025 general election.
Community leaders and residents have praised Kamara’s achievement as a symbol of representation and progress. Advocates say his leadership offers a new voice in law enforcement at a time when relationships between police and communities are under intense public scrutiny.
As Kamara assumes his duties, he stands out not only for his historic election but also as a figure whose path reflects both personal resilience and dedication to public service, connecting his Liberian roots with leadership in one of Pennsylvania’s most populous counties.
