DETROIT – A new group of Detroit police officers is officially joining the force, and for one graduate, the moment carried deep personal meaning.
The Detroit Police Department presented badges to 42 men and women, marking what DPD called its largest graduating class of the year.
Chief Todd Bettison praised the recruits’ work after months of training.
“You have worked so hard for this,” Bettison said during the ceremony.
Graduates described the past six months as challenging, both physically and mentally, and for some, the path to graduation came with major life hurdles.
“Standing here today, I can say this journey has changed all of us,” said Officer Sharon Thompson, who, at 43, was the oldest recruit in the class. “This academy tested me and all of us in ways we didn’t expect.”
For officer Ahmed Said, the milestone was shaped by a loss that still resonates.
Said mentioned he decided to become a police officer to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Melvindale police Corporal Mohammed Said, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2024.
“I’m doing this, one, to honor my brother,” Ahmed said. “Second, to finish a career that he didn’t have the chance to finish.”
Ahmed mentioned he once hoped the two brothers would serve together.
“One of the dreams was me and my brother become partners,” Ahmed said. “Sadly, it didn’t happen, but I’m here to finish the career.”
Members of the Melvindale Police Department, along with family and friends, attended the graduation to support him.
But even with the celebration, Ahmed said grief remains close, especially for his mother, who chose to watch from home.
“My mom couldn’t show up today because she said if she’s going to show up, she’s going to see my brother in my face, like when she attended his graduation,” Ahmed said. “And she didn’t want to cry, so she’s watching it from home.”
Ahmed also referenced the case tied to his brother’s death.
Last month, a Wayne County jury found Michael Lopez guilty of murdering Mohammed.
Lopez is expected to be sentenced next month.
Looking ahead to his first days on patrol, Ahmed hopes the community will support officers as they work to serve and protect.
“My message to the community is, show love to the police officers,” Ahmed said. “And we are here to serve them and protect them.”
Ahmed’s first official day on the job is Monday (June 1).