By James Francois, Executive Director of Sak Pase Nation
Standing inside Brooklyn College for the official swearing-in ceremony, surrounded by community leaders, family, and supporters, I felt an immense wave of pride. On July 27, 2026, Edwin Raymond was officially sworn in as the new New York City Sheriff, with his oath of office administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James following his appointment by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
As a fellow Haitian from Flatbush and the Executive Director of Sak Pase Nation, witnessing this historic moment was deeply personal. This is more than a milestone for public administration in New York City—it is a powerful testament to what is possible when homegrown leadership, integrity, and dedication rise to the highest levels of civic service.
Deep Roots in East Flatbush, Grounded in Community
Sheriff Edwin Raymond’s story resonates powerfully with our community. Growing up in East Flatbush as the son of Haitian immigrants, he learned firsthand that keeping our working-class neighborhoods safe and thriving depends fundamentally on trust between government institutions and the people they serve.
Before stepping into this vital citywide role, Raymond built a distinguished career in public safety marked by a steadfast commitment to accountability. As a retired NYPD lieutenant with 15 years of service, he held various operational and leadership roles—including leading Community Affairs for Patrol Borough Brooklyn North—and later served as a Social Justice Liaison in the New York State Office of the Attorney General. Throughout his journey, he has continually fought for transparency and justice, working to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the public.
A Vital Office for New York City
As NYC Sheriff, Raymond now leads one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies, which functions as the city’s chief civil law-enforcement division under the Department of Finance. His office carries out critical responsibilities citywide, from enforcing court orders and judgments and serving orders of protection to investigating deed and tax fraud and protecting consumers and local businesses from illegal activity.
As Mayor Mamdani highlighted during the announcement, Raymond has dedicated his life to safeguarding New Yorkers while bettering the institutions entrusted with our safety. As Attorney General Letitia James noted, his leadership is rooted in the understanding that true public safety is built upon public trust and transparency.
Collaborating for the Future of Brooklyn and Our Youth
At Sak Pase Nation, our core mission is dedicated to youth development, building sustainable community infrastructure, advancing economic education, and empowering the Haitian Diaspora and our wider neighborhoods.
Realizing these ambitious goals requires visionary public servants who understand our communities from the ground up. We are looking forward to collaborating alongside Sheriff Edwin Raymond and his office. By joining forces to build constructive pathways between law enforcement, local youth, and community organizations, we can foster a safer, more equitable, and prosperous future for Brooklyn and New York City as a whole.
