86 th street in Central Park was renamed in honor of NYPD detective Steven McDonald, who died earlier in the year. The officer was awarded this due to their heroism, because he inspired by his example, even after it was paralyzed 30 years ago.
12 July 1986, 15-year-old man shot in McDonald during the theft of a Bicycle in the Park. After this incident, 29-year-old officer left paralyzed for the rest of my life until January of 2017, when he died of a heart attack.
Next weeks ep of #theperfectmurder is dedicated to detective Steven McDonald. Learn more in our fb page. #NYPD pic.twitter.com/OBwZeDDklb
— Kaufman Films (@kaufman_films) June 13, 2017
Despite this, Stephen MacDonald never get discouraged and to the end of his days remained a source of support for other injured police officers. He became an inspirational speaker in the NYPD and beyond, telling everyone the story of forgiveness, restoration and hope. And the new York Rangers even founded a prize Steven McDonald Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.
A hero comes home: 85th St. Transverse named today for @NYPDCentralPark»s own Det. Steven McDonald, one of the finest to wear our uniform. pic.twitter.com/1fo9depBDH
NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) October 4, 2017
In may, the city Council adopted the law on renaming streets in honor of MacDonald. Today 86th street, which connects the Western and Eastern part of Manhattan is named «Detective of the first rank, Stephen D. MacDonald». The family of the officer and city officials, including the mayor and police Commissioner attended the ceremony of the naming.
«We all know that the way Stephen was not easy… every step of the way it chased the pain, but I don’t think we’ve never seen someone cope with a complex challenge better than he,» said mayor bill de Blasio during his speech.
I’m at the Central Park Precinct with Det. Steven McDonald’s family as we honor him for all he gave to our city. https://t.co/nxdluTNTtp
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 4, 2017
«1986 seems to have been not so long ago, but when I look back at this beautiful city, I realize how far we’ve come,» said the widow of detective Patricia MacDonald, Recalling a very different new York of that time, which was suffering from crime and violence.
“Steven truly believed in his calling—to protect & serve…All he wanted to do was show people the love we had to share,” Patti Ann McDonald pic.twitter.com/HRdLsjwEJb
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 4, 2017
«Steven really was proud that he was a member of this Department (police),’ said the wife of the detective through her tears, remembering that his grandfather, father and uncle were also police officers. – There was no other place where would like to work Steven. When he put on his blue uniform and pinned the icon, once it became clear that it is his calling from God.»
We will never forget @NYPDCentralPark Detective 1st Grade Steven McDonald as NYC renames the 86th Street Transverse. pic.twitter.com/6ogIlkasI2
— NYPD 30th Precinct (@NYPD30Pct) October 4, 2017
We will #NeverForget NYPD Detective Steven McDonald and his message of love and forgiveness pic.twitter.com/B1glseSn5r
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 4, 2017
