The city of Paterson in the state of New Jersey the United States was appointed chief of police of Turkish-American descendant. He became the first Muslim who was appointed as the first police chief in the city on Tuesday (02/04/2020) local time.

Ibrahim “Mike” Baycora was sworn in with his left hand on the Koran as the 17th police chief of Paterson during a ceremony at the town hall. Where he has served in the city police department for more than three decades.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and prayers and was attended by members of the Turkish community in New York and New Jersey, senior officials from Paterson’s local government and Baycora’s family and relatives.

Baycora replaces Troy Oswald, who retired in February this year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said “Merhaba,” “Hosgeldiniz” and “Naslsn?” in Turkish, which means’ Hello, ” Welcome ‘and’ How are you? ” he said as reported by the Anadolu news agency.

Sayegh said Baycora “will be the first Turkish police chief in US history. He will be the first Muslim police chief in the city of Paterson.”

The US has made history, he added.

While Baycora said, he was very proud of his nationality and origins.

“As a child from the east side of Paterson who grew up here attending school, Paterson has been my better home for half a century,” he said.

“Paterson has been in my blood all my life, and is now a chief of police after a 32-year career – truly an honor.”

Speaking to the Anadolu agency after the ceremony, Baycora claimed to be very happy and felt blessed.

“In this country, there are opportunities. It doesn’t matter where you come from,” he said.

Baycora, now 60, came to the United States as a baby and grew up in Paterson.