Mohammed Salihi, a Kurdish-American law enforcement officer, has officially assumed the role of City Chief Marshal in Manchester, Georgia. In this position, he is tasked with establishing a new municipal law enforcement agency from the ground up.

Salihi steps into this leadership role following a notable career with the Manchester Police Department (MPD), where he advanced from Corporal to Sergeant and served as a Community Relations Officer. “During his time with the Manchester Police Department, Sergeant Salihi served our community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication,” the MPD said in a statement. “We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success as he begins this new chapter leading the Manchester City Marshal’s Office.”

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan Chronicle, Salihi discussed how his upbringing in Kirkuk and Kurdish background have shaped his journey in American law enforcement. The full interview will be featured in the upcoming issue of the Kurdistan Chronicle magazine.

Growing up in Kirkuk, Salihi dedicated himself to athletics, earning his First Poom rank in Taekwondo, officially registered with Kukkiwon, in 2013. He credits this early discipline and a strong desire to assist others as the foundation for his public service career.

Upon arriving in the United States, like many immigrants, Salihi worked hard and pursued his studies. “Even at a young age, I was someone who wanted to step up and help rather than sit back and do nothing,” he explained. “That mindset is what ultimately led me toward this career.”

Several key moments have reaffirmed his commitment to public service. One of the most impactful occurred during a 2023 night shift with the LaGrange Police Department. Patrolling around 4:00 am, he spotted a residence fully engulfed in flames. “I could hear an older woman screaming from inside,” he recalled. “I called out to her, and she followed the sound of my voice, allowing us to find each other. I was able to get her out of the burning home and to safety.” His actions earned him the department’s Valor Award that same year.

Salihi’s rise through the ranks reflects the values he embodies: respect, integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. “I also believe that being able to connect with the community, understand people, and build positive relationships played an important role in my growth,” he added.

These qualities led to opportunities for advancement within the MPD, including his promotion to Corporal and later to Sergeant. As a Community Relations Officer, he worked closely with the community, helping to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and residents. “Each of those experiences built upon the next,” he noted. “The values I developed growing up, along with everything I learned after coming to the United States, shaped my approach to my career.”

For Salihi, becoming Chief Marshal represents more than a professional achievement. “It was an opportunity to take everything I had learned throughout my journey and use it to build something meaningful,” he concluded.