Delaware County's new sheriff is the youngest to serve in the role. (Image courtesy of Delaware County)
Siddiq Kamara, 30, was inspired to run for the position after the death of his cousin.
As with all area municipal, county, and state positions that were newly elected for a 2026 term, the swearing in of Delaware County’s leadership took place Monday. Among the new faces being sworn in was the county’s sheriff Siddiq Kamara.
Held at the county courthouse on Jan. 5, Kamara credited the entire system of servicemen and -women for his progress.
“This moment belongs to the dedicated men and women of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office who serve our courts and communities every day,” he said in a post on Facebook. “I am grateful to work alongside a professional, committed team, and together we will uphold the law with integrity, accountability, and respect.”
Kamara posted that he was prepared for his new role, noting he is “proud to serve with this team and ready to get to work.”
The new sheriff spent one of his first days in his position addressing the entire uniform division at a greeting Jan. 6.
“Your dedication, professionalism, and daily service keep Delaware County safe,” he said to the division. “Thank you for all you do in support of our community and to uphold the rule of law. [I am] grateful to serve alongside such an outstanding team.”
Kamara, 30, is the youngest sheriff to be elected to the Delco position, and is the first African American immigrant to serve in the role across the state. Kamar won 63 percent of the vote in November.
The sheriff said he was inspired to run for the position after the August 2021 police shooting of his 8-year-old cousin, Fanta Bility, as she left an Academy Park High School football game.
