Ercan Sidar is following in his father’s footsteps and blazing new trails of his own.

Like his late father, the 22-year-old Springfield resident volunteers as a member of the Springfield Auxiliary Squad. But as of this week, Sidar is taking on a new role. Surrounded by his family, Sidar was sworn in as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 by Springfield Police Chief John Cook.

As a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2, Sidar will have all the same responsibilities as a part time police officer. He was sworn in at the start of the last  Springfield Township Committee meeting of 2011

His late father, Tony Sidar, was a longtime and much decorated member of Springfield’s Auxiliary police squad. Ercan Sidar started at the special law enforcement officer academy the week after his father died from complications from Leukemia. 

For Sidar's family, watching the young man be sworn in to the new position was an emotional moment.

“It’s emotional in a very good way,” Ercan’s mother, Ayfer Sidar said. “He’s following in his father’s footsteps. I know that Tony is very proud of him.” 

In addition to volunteering for the Auxiliary squad, Sidar will work for the Springfield police department part time. Chief Cook told the Township Committee Sidar would be an asset to the force.