McDonald Pond In State Park Dedicated To Late LI NYPD Detective

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — New commemorative signs were unveiled at at McDonald Pond in Hempstead Lake State Park, paying tribute to the life and legacy of fallen NYPD Detective Steven McDonald.

Steven McDonald was on duty in 1986, with his pregnant wife Patty at home, when then-Officer McDonald was shot while making an arrest in Central Park and was paralyzed from the neck down. He famously forgave the young man that shot him, and became a symbol of tolerance and forgiveness around the country. McDonald died in January 2017.

Since his death, there have been many tributes to McDonald. A long stretch of the Southern State Parkway was named after him, as well as a street in Central Park. The city also dedicated a plaque to the officer at the spot where he was shot, as well as a plaque at his former NYPD precinct.

“Steven McDonald’s entire life epitomized service, sacrifice and dedication — from protecting the streets of New York to spreading the message of forgiveness throughout the world,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “This fitting tribute will ensure that park visitors for decades to come learn about Detective McDonald’s life, and derive inspiration from his legacy, which will continue to live on.”

“Detective Steven McDonald was a true hero in our community, New York City and New York State. I am so glad to honor his memory with this dedication," said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. "Although this pond renaming is only a small way to express our gratitude for the impact Detective Steven McDonald had around us in New York and the world, I am truly thankful for his dedicated service, his message of peace and for the lessons of forgiveness he taught all of us. May his memory be for a blessing and his example live on.”

Earlier this year, Kaminsky worked with state park officials to place signs at McDonald Park commemorating its namesake in an effort to educate Hempstead Lake State Park visitors about McDonald’s life and legacy, as well as his message of forgiveness and loving others.