NYPD Police Academy in Queens to be renamed for late Detective Steven McDonald

Honoring an inspirational cop of courage and faith who continued his crime-fighting mission after being left paralyzed

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The NYPD Police Academy in Queens will be renamed the Steven D. McDonald Police Academy to honor the late Detective Steven McDonald, who was shot and left paralyzed while on patrol in 1986 but continued to serve as a tireless advocate for the department until his death in 2017. McDonald's widow Patti Ann and son Connor were present at the announcement, which was made by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who praised McDonald's character and legacy of forgiveness.

Why it matters

Detective Steven McDonald has become a legendary figure in the NYPD, inspiring generations of officers with his courage, faith, and message of forgiveness even after the devastating shooting that left him paralyzed. Renaming the police academy in his honor ensures his legacy will live on and continue to shape the values and character of future NYPD officers.

The details

On July 12, 1986, Detective Steven McDonald was shot and left a quadriplegic while on patrol in Central Park. Despite his devastating injuries, he continued to serve as a mentor to officers, visiting precincts to share his story and inspire them to uphold the NYPD's mission with character and compassion. McDonald famously forgave the 15-year-old boy who shot him, a testament to his message of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch cited as a key reason for renaming the academy in his honor.

  • On July 12, 1986, Detective Steven McDonald was shot and left paralyzed.
  • Detective McDonald passed away in 2017.
  • On January 29, 2026, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch surprised Patti Ann and Connor McDonald with the proposal to rename the NYPD Police Academy.
  • The academy will be officially renamed the Steven D. McDonald Police Academy during a ceremony in July 2026.

The players

Detective Steven McDonald

An NYPD officer who was shot and left paralyzed in 1986 but continued to serve as a tireless advocate for the department, inspiring generations of officers with his courage, faith, and message of forgiveness.

Patti Ann McDonald

The widow of Detective Steven McDonald.

Connor McDonald

The son of Detective Steven McDonald, who now continues his father's legacy in the NYPD.

Jessica Tisch

The Police Commissioner of the NYPD, who proposed renaming the police academy in honor of Detective Steven McDonald.

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What they’re saying

“Steve McDonald is somebody that connects with all. And you might go through a very difficult time, and you might go home angry and frustrated, but I hope the cadets will learn from my father's story.”

— Connor McDonald, Police Captain (amny.com)

“Love, compassion and forgiveness is something that in tough times, some people are lacking. And my dad, that was the most important part of his message. I hope that the recruits and cadets can pick that up.”

— Connor McDonald, Police Captain (amny.com)

“Detective Steven McDonald is truly the embodiment of who we want our officers to be. We remember not only the courage that he showed after his life was changed unimaginably, but the character Detective McDonald demonstrated through his refusal to be defined by bitterness, and his commitment to dignity and forgiveness.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner (amny.com)

What’s next

The NYPD Police Academy in Queens will be officially renamed the Steven D. McDonald Police Academy during a ceremony in July 2026.

The takeaway

Detective Steven McDonald's legacy of courage, faith, and forgiveness will continue to inspire and shape the values of future NYPD officers, ensuring his inspirational story lives on through the department he served with such distinction.