(Bergen Record) A Paterson police recruit called a “leader among peers” at the Bergen County Police Academy was named the recipient of the graduating class’ Role Model Award.
Officer Serein Tamimi, who broke a historic barrier as the first Palestinian-American woman and hijab-wearing police officer in the City of Paterson, received the award at graduation Thursday night in Hackensack. The vote by academy instructors was unanimous.
“This officer displayed excellent characteristics of leadership,” said Officer Daniel Solares, an academy instructor who introduced her for the award. “She from day one until today always had a positive mental attitude, always led by example, always volunteering for extra duties.”
Tamimi’s achievement comes at a time of growing anti-Muslim bias and negative stereotyping about Muslims, especially those who wear the hijab.
