“Thank you, Det. McDonald, for your service…and your selflessness.”
– The Forum
“New York City is heartbroken by the loss of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who for 30 years has been this city’s greatest example of heroism and grace. I will forever cherish my last conversation with Detective McDonald, late last year. His words encouraged all of us to continue to bring police and communities closer together. On Saturday, I joined the McDonald family at his bedside and shared their grief and the comfort of their boundless faith. This extraordinary family lives Detective McDonald’s message of forgiveness and service every day. We are blessed that NYPD Detective Sergeant Conor McDonald continues in his father’s footsteps and will ensure his legacy lives on in the greatest police department in the world. The story of Detective Steven McDonald needs to be understood across the United States, especially as we work to heal the wounds of the past. There is no greater example of honor and service to others. Let it be our mission to continue his work.”
– Mayor Bill de Blasio
“Det. Steven McDonald was an icon of mercy & forgiveness, a prophet of the dignity of all human life. My prayerful condolences to his family.”
– Timothy Cardinal Dolan
“He was an icon within the NYPD, a hero throughout our city, and an inspiration to all. Detective Steven McDonald will be deeply missed, but his unrivaled strength, service, and dedication will never be forgotten.
“He personified perseverance. He embodied the values, each and every day, by which we should all strive to live. And he represented what it means to be a New Yorker. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the entire NYPD family during this difficult time.”
– City Comptroller Scott Stringer
“Steven is a model for each of us as we go about our daily lives, on duty and off. He was a unique source of inspiration and unrivaled pride to people the world over. And he will forever be one of us.”
– Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Detective Steven McDonald. Throughout his career in public service, Detective McDonald put his life on the line to protect his fellow New Yorkers, and served as a true inspiration to all of us. When the odds were stacked against him, Detective McDonald set the standard of excellence and demonstrated unparalleled resilience and compassion. Detective McDonald represents the very best of New York and his grand presence will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and all those who loved him at this difficult time.”
– Gov. Andrew Cuomo
“Steven McDonald was the most courageous and forgiving man I have ever known. Despite the tremendous pain in his life, both physical and emotional, his concern for his fellow police officers and for the people of New York City never wavered. Since that fateful day in 1986, Steven dedicated his life to fighting hate and encouraging forgiveness through his actions. He was a powerful force for all that is good and is an inspiration to all of us. His was a life well lived. We join his family, a true New York City police family, his friends and fellow officers in prayer and mourning the loss of a truly special man. He was a true American hero.”
– Patrick Lynch, president, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association
