BRONX, N.Y. — Three months after a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan that killed an NYPD officer, the NFL is giving his children academic scholarships, ABC 7 New York reported.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with the family of Detective Didarul Islam, who was killed while working a security detail at the Park Avenue building, home to the NFL’s offices, during the July shooting. Islam, 36, was assigned to the NYPD’s 47th Precinct and was working an overtime shift when he was fatally shot in the lobby.
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Islam leaves behind three sons, including a newborn born after his death. To honor his memory and support his family, the NFL, in partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation, awarded scholarships to his children, according to the report.
“I hope that Detective Islam will be proud of the work we are all doing today to take care of his family,” Goodell said during a visit to the 47th Precinct. “And know that we’re proud of him, and proud of the work that he did.”
The scholarships are intended to allow the children flexibility in choosing where to pursue their education. Islam’s family says education was always one of his top priorities.
“He was thinking about a good education system for the kids. Now, the NFL stood up to provide support for the kids. That means a lot to the family,” Amrul Hasan, Islam’s brother-in-law and a fellow officer, told ABC 7.
The moment was particularly meaningful for Islam’s oldest son, Ahyan, who dreams of following his father’s path.
“When I grow up, and when I’m a police officer, I can’t wait to be a detective,” he said.
