Park Avenue shooting: Children of fallen NYPD Officer Didarul Islam given scholarships by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell – ABC7 New York
BRONX, New York (WABC) — Tuesday marked exactly three months since the horrific shooting at 345 Park Ave. in Midtown Manhattan, and the NFL made sure the victims, and the families they left behind, were not forgotten.
Among them, were the children of NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, who received a special gift in the form of a scholarship.
Police commissioners have visited the 47th Precinct, but on Tuesday, it was the NFL commissioner in the spotlight. Roger Goodell presented the sons of fallen Det. Islam with footballs for a photo op, but more importantly, scholarships for their future.
"I hope that Detective Islam will be proud of the work we are all doing together today to take care of his family, and know that we're proud of him, and proud of the work that he did," Goodell.
Islam was killed during July's mass shooting at 345 Park Ave., the building that's home to NFL offices. He was assigned to the 47 Precinct but was working a security detail in the lobby.
The 36-year-old was the father of three boys, the youngest of which was born after his death.
At the time, Islam was working an overtime shift. His brother-in-law, himself a police officer, says providing for his family was Islam's main concern.
"He was thinking about good education system for the kids. Now, the NFL stood up for provide support for the kids. That means a lot to the family," Amrul Hasan said.
The scholarship is in association with the Folds of Honor Foundation, which benefits fallen service members and first responders. Where the Islam's kids attend school is wide open, though they have already chosen to follow in their father's footsteps.
"When I grow up, and when I'm a police officer, I can't wait to be a detective," said Islam's son, Ahyan Islam.
The timing of Tuesday's award is no coincidence. October 28 is National First Responders Day.
———-
* More Bronx news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
