Siddiq Kamara sworn in as Delaware County sheriff, turning family tragedy into push for change

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Siddiq Kamara was sworn in on Monday as the new sheriff of Delaware County, marking a milestone he said he never imagined before a family tragedy pushed him toward public service.

Kamara, who won nearly 63% of the vote in November, greeted supporters as he arrived in uniform.

“I haven’t gotten to wear a uniform like this in a long time,” he said before the ceremony.

Moments later, he reflected on the weight of the day, saying he was “just trying to let everything sink in.”

The moment became real as he took the oath of office — a role he said he could not have foreseen before August 27, 2021.

“August 2021 changed my family’s life forever,” Kamara said. That was when 8-year-old Fanta Bility, his cousin, was killed by police gunfire as she left an Academy Park High School football game.

“When I got the call that I lost my cousin, that’s a call that nobody should ever feel. And at that moment, something had to be done,” Kamara said.

Drawing on his experience as a police officer, National Guard member, and employee of the attorney general’s office, Kamara pushed for increased training within the Sharon Hill Police Department. That effort could expand statewide through legislation known as “Fanta’s Law.”

State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams said he is optimistic about the bill’s future, calling it “one of the rare cases where you have bipartisan support around this bill.”

Supporters said Kamara brings a valuable perspective as the son of Liberian immigrants.

“People see themselves in him, and it’s great to have that type of representation,” said Monica Taylor, chair of the Delaware County Council.

Anthony Moss, of Laborers’ Local 413, added, “I just think he’s going to bring a lot of things. A lot of good things.”

At 30, Kamara noted his place in history.

“I’m the youngest sheriff in America,” he said while speaking to a standing-room-only crowd inside the Delaware County Courthouse in Media.

Among those watching was his aunt, Tenneh Kromah, Fanta’s mother.

“He fought for Fanta. I’m so happy for that. To get this position, I’m so happy,” she said.

Kamara pledged to honor that responsibility.

“I’ll make this promise to you guys. I promise to serve with integrity, accountability, and to make sure everybody in Delaware County is protected and served equally,” he said.

Kamara said his faith guides him, noting that his swearing-in also marked another milestone: he is the first Muslim sheriff in Delaware County.

He said he plans to focus on improving training within the department, modernizing the office and expanding community outreach.