Rockville Centre Renames Street For Detective McDonald

In a surprise presentation at a Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 6, the Village of Rockville Centre unveiled a street sign, 104 Det. Steven McDonald Way, which will be placed next to the village's police station, at the corner of Madison and Maple avenues.

The sign was presented to McDonald's wife, Malverne Mayor Patti Ann McDonald, and son, NYPD Sgt. Conor McDonald. The two at the meeting to thank the village for its support during the difficult days after McDonald suffered a heart attack and died on Jan. 10. They had no idea the village was going to honor McDonald.

“Detective Steve McDonald, a Rockville Centre native, was shot 30 years ago while on duty in Central Park leaving him paralyzed,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said at the presentation. “Defying all medical predictions, Steve lived for three decades after the shooting. He never let his debilitating injury define him, he inspired us all to love, respect and most of all forgive. Turning tragedy into inspiration, Steve forgave the very young man who shot him.”

Members of the St. Agnes Choir sang “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” for the crowded room, which included family, friends and police officers.

“For every great hero you need a great heroine and this story has one,” Murray said. “Throughout it all, the ups and the downs, Steve had the love of his life by his side, Patti Ann. Her dreams and aspirations were dramatically changed when Steve was shot. Three months pregnant, Patti never gave up and her strength and character lifted and carried her family and all they would touch.”

Photos: Village of Rockville Centre