Renaming The Southern State: Officials Want To Honor Det. Steven McDonald

Long Island's delegation in the state government is leading the charge to rename a large section of the Southern State Parkway in memory of NYPD Det. Steven McDonald, who died earlier this year.

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.

He died in January at the age of 59, following a heart attack.

In the months since his death, many have expressed their admiration for McDonald. But Long Island's delegation in the state Senate and Assembly want to make sure that McDonald receives the remembrance that he deserves.

On Tuesday, Assemblyman Brian Curran presented McDonald's wife, Patti, and his son, Connor (who is now a NYPD officer) with a resolution honoring McDonald. It was a joint resolution unanimously passed by both houses.

After receiving the resolution, the Senate voted on a measure to rename a portion of the Southern State Parkway, running from the Belt Parkway in the west to the Meadowbrook Parkway in the east, as the Detective Steven McDonald Memorial Highway. The bill was sponsored by the entire Long Island Senate delegation and also passed unanimously.

"The legacy of Steven McDonald reminds us of the sacrifices police make every day on our behalf," said Sen. Todd Kaminsky. "His legacy also reminds us of the enduring human spirit, of the courage to live life to its fullest, and the possibilities of love and forgiveness. With respect to renaming the Southern State, I think it is wonderful that future generations will be able to learn of Detective McDonald’s heroics and it will help enable his spirit and message to live on."

Sen. John Brooks echoed Kaminsky's sentiments. "I am so proud, yet deeply humbled, to co-sponsor the bill to rename the Southern State Parkway in honor of Detective Steven McDonald," he said. "Detective McDonald exemplified a life of service and goodwill towards others. As a man who embodied the healing power of forgiveness, we hope to inspire all who travel this parkway to rise to their better selves, whether that be in service to others, or, in choosing forgiveness as a personal quality to embrace. Simply, the world is a better place because of Detective McDonald."

The bill has been moved to the Assembly, where it is seeking a sponsor. Curran said he would be honored to sponsor the bill, but it hasn't been decided yet who would sponsor the Assembly version. But regardless of the sponsor, Curran said that he would support it, and that he expected it to easily pass.

"Officer Steven McDonald's service and lifelong commitment to his community and the New York City Police Department has left an indelible mark on our hearts and souls," Curran said. "His legacy will always be remembered for that of grace, fearlessness, forgiveness, wisdom and tireless devotion to the safety of every resident in the great state of New York."

Photo: Sen. Todd Kaminsky's Office