> At a Glance
> – Siddiq Kamara, 30, sworn in as Delaware County Sheriff on January 5
> – Youngest sheriff ever elected in Pennsylvania
> – First African immigrant to hold the role statewide
> – Why it matters: New leadership promises modernized policing and deeper community ties
A former Yeadon police officer and National Guard veteran has shattered two glass ceilings at once, taking office as both the youngest and first African-born sheriff in Pennsylvania history.
Historic Swearing-In
Kamara’s Monday ceremony marked more than a personal milestone. His four-year term begins with a mandate to overhaul how the department serves Delaware County‘s 570,000 residents.
He enters office with a clear mission:
- Modernize outdated systems
- Expand neighborhood outreach
- Inject “new blood” into law-enforcement culture
Personal Drive Behind the Campaign
The catalyst for Kamara’s run was the 2021 shooting death of his 8-year-old cousin, Fanta Bility.
> “We need new blood, new leadership and new vision in the line of law enforcement.”
> – Siddiq Kamara, Delaware County Sheriff
He views his age not as a handicap but as an edge, arguing that fresher perspectives can rebuild trust between deputies and the communities they patrol.
Professional Path to the Badge
Kamara’s résumé blends street-level and military discipline:
- Six years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard
- Patrol officer with Yeadon Police Department
- Special agent at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
| Role | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| National Guard | 6 |
| Yeadon PD | prior to 2024 |
| PA Attorney General | prior to election |
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania now has its youngest sheriff on record
- Kamara is the first African immigrant to hold sheriff office statewide
- His term runs through 2028 and focuses on tech upgrades and outreach
- Personal tragedy spurred his entry into electoral politics
With a four-year horizon, Kamara’s administration will be closely watched as a test case for youthful leadership inside traditional law-enforcement hierarchies.
