Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember when Steven was shot in July 1986. I always admired the the forgiveness he displayed and the life he later led. I met him in person in 1996 and remained friends from then on. As good as people think Steven was, I thought he was even more incredible when I got to know him better. He was humble and did not want recognition, unless he could use that recognition to help someone else. Steven helped me become a better Catholic and I am forever grateful for knowing him and his family.

Ret. Lt Michael Coughlin
NYPD

August 7, 2024

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten-nor will you.

Maj.Travis Lane
US Army Special Forces(ret)

August 6, 2023

Not only a Detective, but a saint.rest in peace with your creator Steve. You have earned it.

Sgt. K Ford
NYPD

July 7, 2023

Saw your story on catholic Network .Today. Touch once again how you forgave that boy that shot you in 1986 and how are you made the choice to do what you did until the day you died. I am a New Yorker and I knew of the shooting after it happened. S i p...

Specialist 4 Denise La Rose ( fmr.Army )
none

March 8, 2022

Rest in the arms of our Lord, brother. Thanking you for your service and sacrifice. You will always be alive in the hearts of all those who loved you for the inspiration that you have shown us. Blessings to your loving family always and, that they gain strength for your great loss. Until all of us meet again.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

January 10, 2021

Rest in peace brother.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

January 10, 2020

Rest easy on the 3 anniversary of your death . God bless you

Mark Mottola

January 10, 2020

I hope everyone will find comfort in Acts 24:15 - "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Until we see our loved ones again on an earthly Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 24, 2018

5 miles in your honor Sir. You are not forgotten.

Detective Michele Nelson
Riverside County Sheriff's Department

January 10, 2018

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who we must never forget.

My deepest sympathy to both his family and his law enforcement family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May he rest in eternal peace.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Retired
Cincinnati P.D., Ret.

October 2, 2017

God bless this man and his family , putting his life on the line everyday when 90% of the country doesn't have the fortitude to do what this man and thousands of others do day in and out. stay strong and for him and every other fallen officer i'm ready to make a change and follow the great steps of those who have great intentions .

Deputy Sheriff Trainee
Los Angeles Sheriff Department

September 17, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Det. Ernie Boss
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2017

Thank you Detective McDonald for your dedicated service and brave fight after this tragic event. I hope and pray that your family are all well and I know you are watching over them. Stay safe Sergeant McDonald and God bless your entire family and the NYPD.

Brother in Blue
Dayton (OH) PD

May 25, 2017

Dear McDonald family. Thank you for sharing Steve with us for so many years. He gave so many hope. His act of forgiveness to the one who caused so much pain is something I don't think I could ever do. With his wife standing by his side all these years, it seems he married the strongest woman ever. Steve,you did give me hope, and faith. Faith in the people of this city. Faith in the power of forgiveness, a renewed faith in the Catholic church that you loved so dear. I know you are with the creator now. God bless you McDonald family. thank you for everything.

Sgt. K Ford.
NYPD Sgt.(Ret)

May 20, 2017

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

Ptlm FrankKapusta
Mohawk PD

May 4, 2017

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Detective McDonald died from his injuries sustained 31 years earlier.

To the McDonald family, fellow officers, and all who called him beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you. You led by example for many years after the incident that changed your life.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Detective McDonald gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 10, 2017.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

April 25, 2017

Sorry to read about your loss. Your loved one was a true hero and suffered the ultimate sacrifice for that. May you Rest in peace Brother in Blue and let us as your Brothers and Sisters in Blue take it from here.

Res.Sgt Rudy Jones
C.F.P.D Ohio

March 20, 2017

Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.

Travis D. Bird
Spotsylvania CA's Office

March 10, 2017

Thank you for sacrifice, your service to the citizens of New York City, and your prior service to the country. May the Lord comfort your family and fellow Officers of the New York City Police Department, NY, during this very difficult period. Rest in Peace Sir.

K. Shipp, Special Agent
Dept. of VA OIG-CID

February 21, 2017

GOD BLESS, NEVER FORGOTTEN

J. JAYNES
ARIZONA STATE TROOPERS

February 21, 2017

Sgt Paul, NYPD, Our brother is resting in peace, with tears of love I watched the bikes escort our brother from my former LI area home, I wish I were back in New York to support all of us, but Boulder City Nevada keeps me touch via e-mail & ODMP, Brother Steve please pray for all of us that we all follow in Gods wishes, May God watch over your "On The Job" Son as he finds your "footsteps" & Honors You, His Father, RIP, AL

PO Al Navarra, NYCPD 2-29-68 to 7-28-73 Suffolk County PD 7-30-73 to 4-4-88 Blue Lives R GREAT LIVES, never forget Foster & Laurie 1-27-72

February 20, 2017

I was well into my third year working Manhattan South after my transfer and I will never forget that night. From that day to this, I have never met anyone with more courage, faith, dignity, honor and devotion then Steven McDonald. His love of the job, his love of his brothers and sisters throughout the entire Blue Family, his love of his wife and son are second to none. As a fellow Catholic, his unwavering faith touched my heart and soul when my own faith was challenged. We have lost a brother the likes of whom may never grace our ranks again. I am comforted in the knowledge that he is now in Heaven to accept his new assignment of protecting us from above and working as our steadfast champion and advocate with the Heavenly Father. Thank you Steven for enriching our lives. You have slipped your earthly bonds, left your chair behind, touched the face of God and are now cradled in the loving arms of the Lord. You will forever be in our hearts and in my prayers.

Sgt. Paul Simon, NYPD

February 12, 2017

Detective McDonald, your personal and professional strength and commitment is an example to us all and can give us faith and courage when we most need it. Thank you for all you were and will continue to be.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

February 11, 2017

Detective McDonald, I can only imagine how you felt that night in Central Park, and the decision that you made to go forward in the line of duty, showing the utmost courage and commitment to your community. The word "hero" has been lost in recent years, and to me, the word only applies to someone such as yourself. Thank you for your heroism, your commitment to uphold the law and serve the people of NY.

Patrick L. Person
Portland, Oregon

February 2, 2017

God's peace and speed Detective McDonald . Thank you for your brave, and dedicated service. RIP Brother.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago Police Department

February 2, 2017