First Muslim police commissioner of US' Bolingbrook 'living the American Dream'

Born in Sialkot, Talat Rashid has been a US citizen for the last 38 years

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS:

Talat Rashid, Bolingbrook's first Muslim police commissioner, believes he's living the real 'American Dream'.

Born in Sialkot, Rashid has been a US citizen for the last 38 years and has done it all. The latest addition to his milestones is becoming the first Muslim police commissioner in Illinois, United States.

"I haven't been appointed the first Muslim police commissioner because of my faith, but because I believe I will do the best job for the city of Bolingbrook - whether I am Muslim or not," said Rashid in a phone interview.

But despite his accomplishments and dedication, bridging the gap between Muslim and American community raises challenges. Overcoming the rising levels of anti-Muslim sentiment in the current social and political climate has become increasingly difficult.

“My faith is really important to me, as it is for many Americans and Bolingbrookers,” Rashid said adding “But I think the important point is not how we pray or who we pray to, but rather what we pray and hope for."



While Rashid has incorporated his Islamic values at the core of his work as a civil servant, he wants people to know his "utmost priority is to serve the people of Bolingbrook".

“My focus is, has always been, and will always be people,” said Rashid during his oathtaking ceremony in the city hall of Bolingbrook by the Mayor Roger C Claar, a Republican. Rashid himself belongs to the Republican Party, and has been honoured as member of President Donald Trump's advisory team.

"My work has always been about building and leading the kind of institutions that create opportunities for people by breaking down the barriers that they face in their lives to being able to have the opportunity I would want for my children. This is of crucial relevance in today's world," said Rashid.

But some residents in the city may not be ready to a see a Muslim Police Commissioner; during the election campaign of Donald Trump, Rashid was a frequent target of conspiracy theories, and with 'fake news' rising, anti-Muslim activists also became active.

But Rashid doesn’t want Bolingbrook residents to be distracted by anti-Muslims rhetoric and sentiment. He wants people to "know that the principles of Islam are what guide his services".

"I have been appointed because of the values Islam teaches me –which includes beliefs in equity, the fundamental rights of all people, a belief that we will judge ourselves as a people based on how we treat the most vulnerable," Rashid said.



"A belief in being good to others fundamentally, a belief in respect and dignity to one’s neighbors and one’s friends and one’s family.”

Rashid has dedicated much of his life to serving the public and his community. Under the leadership of Roger C Claar, Rashid was also appointed as the commissioner of the city.

Throughout his tenure, Rashid dedicated much of his work to the Muslim community and helping families out of their difficulties. He was the pioneer of a foundation of Mosques and worked hard to convince the American society to approve construction of Islamic centres.

Rashid came from humble beginnings. He reached the US in 1979 hoping for a better life for himself and family. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Illinois, and is a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) graduate from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Rashid believes that his upbringing and the journey to his accomplishments made him achieve the 'American Dream'.

"The idea of America is so much bigger than anyone understands," Rashid said. "I know what it looks like to live in a country that doesn’t respect fundamental civil rights or pluralism, equity or care for the most vulnerable."

"I think my fellow Pakistanis who don’t have what I have because they weren’t lucky enough to have the opportunities I did when I migrated here. My children were born here. This is why it's the 'American Dream' I fight for.”