NYPD Dedicates Plaque To Det. Steven McDonald

On the one year anniversary of his death, the NYPD honored Det. Steven McDonald by dedicating a plaque to him at his former precinct in Central Park.

McDonald, from Malverne, died last January after suffering a heart attack. McDonald was on duty on when he was shot in the spine by a 15-year-old in 1986, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. But McDonald gained the admiration of the country when he forgave the young man who shot him. He then spent the rest of his life traveling the world spreading a message of kindness and perseverance.

At the dedication ceremony Wednesday afternoon was New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner James O'Neill, and McDonald's wife, Patti, who is the mayor of Malverne, and his son Connor, who is himself a sergeant in the NYPD.

"Steven was an exceptional human being. The best of the best — a loyal and loving husband, and a devoted and very compassionate father," said his wife, Patti McDonald. "Even before he was shot by a 15-year-old boy, Steven believed it was his duty to spread God's message of love. He always believed in the good of everyone."

The plaque was mounted in the Central Park Precinct building. Under a bronze relief of McDonald's face, it reads:

On July 12, 1986
While apprehending three male individuals
for a gun point robbery,
Detective First Grade Steven D. McDonald
Was shot three times.
He miraculously survived, but his injuries
Rendered him quadriplegic
And in need of a ventilator.
On January 10, 2017
Detective McDonald succumbed to his injuries.
He faithfully and unyeildingly devoted
33 years of service to the City of New York,
Exemplifying the message of love and forgiveness.

You can watch the dedication ceremony here.

Photo: Mayor Bill de Blasio's Office