At just 30 years old, Siddiq Kamara could soon hold one of the most powerful law enforcement roles in Delaware County. If elected, he would become the youngest sheriff in the United States, a historic first for Delaware County and for the country. That fact alone raises eyebrows and questions: Is he too young, too inexperienced or is he exactly the kind of leader law enforcement needs in a county still reeling from the failures of its past?
Kamara’s candidacy forces residents to confront uncomfortable questions about policing, accountability, and who we trust to carry the badge.
Breaking the Mold of “Old School” Policing
Kamara is not a career politician, nor is he a product of the traditional sheriff’s pipeline. A first-generation Liberian American, he grew up in Upper Darby, graduated from the local high school, and joined the Army National Guard at 17, because college was out of reach. “This country gave my family so much,” he explains. “I felt I needed to give back.” Growing up in a tight-knit West African community, he understood early on what it meant to straddle two worlds—American and African, survival and purpose.
From there, he became a police officer at 20 years old and, within just a year, was recruited by then- Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who is now Pennsylvania’s high-profile governor, to serve as a Special Agent in the Narcotics Bureau. He went on to work with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security on international war crimes cases, later serving on Shapiro’s executive detail. “In the Army, we trained constantly, because muscle memory saves lives,” Kamara says. He says that he believes law enforcement should be held to the same high standard.
By any measure, it’s a résumé that would take others decades to build. But it’s his personal story and personal tragedy that sets him apart.
A Child’s Death That Changed Everything
In 2021, Kamara’s eight-year-old cousin, Fanta Bility, was shot and killed outside of a football game when Sharon Hill police officers allegedly fired into a crowd after hearing gunfire in the distance.
Kamara’s grief turned into determination. “That tragedy changed everything for my family,” he says. “The lack of training and discipline should never have led to the death of a child.”
In response, he and his aunt created the Fanta Bility Foundation, which now provides resources to families and advocates for accountability in policing. Central to their work is “Fanta’s Law” proposed legislation requiring ongoing firearm and situational training for officers. This Law is a legislative proposal that would mandate stricter training protocols, de-escalation standards, and accountability measures for police departments across Pennsylvania.
“I served six years in the Army,” Kamara notes. “We trained constantly because muscle memory saves lives. Police officers need that same discipline so tragedies like that night never happen again.”
What Kamara Wants to Change
The Sheriff’s Office in Pennsylvania does not answer 911 calls. Instead, it oversees courthouse security, issuing gun permits, and transporting prisoners. But Kamara says that he believes the role can be transformed into something bigger like a hub of training, education, and prevention.
“We have to do more than process paperwork,” he says. “The sheriff’s office should be out in schools teaching young people about gun safety, in nursing homes warning the elderly about scams, in neighborhoods making sure residents know how to protect themselves.”
He also wants to overhaul how deputies train. “Annual qualifications aren’t enough. We need constant, scenario-based training, so deputies don’t panic, overreact, or make mistakes that cost lives.”
Integrity vs. Politics
Kamara is running at a time when public trust in law enforcement is fractured. To some voters, that makes his candidacy risky. To others, it makes it necessary.
He bristles at critics who say he’s too young: “People said I should wait my turn. But when is the right time to step up?, he asks. “If the young people do it better, why not?”
He also pushes back on the idea that politics should shape law enforcement. “Local politics is everything,” he acknowledges, “but my oath has always been to the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions. That won’t change as sheriff.”
More Than a Badge
Kamara’s leadership philosophy is rooted in service and empathy. He remembers playing basketball with kids in his neighborhood while in uniform, just to build trust. As a training officer at the Attorney General’s Office, he stressed taxpayer accountability and doing right by the people, not just the chain of command.
His faith and family guide him. “The more you give, the more you receive,” he says. “Law enforcement isn’t about power; it’s about compassion.”
The Bigger Question
Kamara’s candidacy is about Delaware County’s future. Are residents ready for a sheriff who represents a younger, more diverse generation? One who insists that tragedies like Fanta’s death must never happen again? One who believes sheriffs should be educators and reformers, not just guards of the courthouse?
For some, those ideas are inspiring. For others, they are unsettling. But one thing is certain: Siddiq Kamara is forcing a conversation that Delaware County can no longer avoid
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Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
This is masterpiece, I believe with this insightful information Siddiq Kamara is the right man for the Sheriff office.
He has visions and he should be given the opportunity serve his people.