In Memoriam: Steve McDonald, NYC Police Hero (1957-2017)

Steven McDonald with his wife Patti and son Conor

Condolences to the family, fellow police officers and friends of New York City police officer and hero Steven McDonald, who died at age 59 this week after suffering a heart attack.

McDonald became a quadriplegic in 1986 after being shot three times while on undercover duty in Central Park. He later forgave his shooter, who was 15 at the time, according to the Irish Echo Newspaper in New York. 

"Despite being confined to a wheelchair that included a machine to enable his breating, he carried his message of forgiveness and reconciliation to other parts of the world over the years, including Northern Ireland," wrote Irish Echo editor Ray O'Hanlon.

"Steve McDonald was my dear friend," said Ray Flynn, former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican. "Steve taught us to forgive people who offended us and proved that love is more powerful than hate.  

"He was proud of his family, to wear the uniform of the New York Police Department, and to be a faithful Catholic," Flynn continued.  "Steve was an inspiration to all people who believe in social justice and forgiveness." 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan called McDonald “an icon of mercy and forgiveness, a prophet of the dignity of all human life, a shining example of the best of what the New York Police Department represents, a loving husband and father, and a fervent and faithful Catholic.”

A funeral mass is taking place at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan on Friday, January 13, 2017.