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Steven McDonald, NYPD cop paralyzed three decades ago in Central Park shooting, dead at 59
NYPD Officer Steven McDonald, left for dead by a teen gunman, never heard the prognosis of his imminent demise. The paralyzed cop miraculously survived for the next three decades, living to see the birth of his son and become a global voice for peace and forgiveness across an extraordinary and unexpected life.
McDonald died Tuesday at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack at his Long Island home on Friday.
“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,” Mayor de Blasio said.
... McDonald emerged as an even bigger hero from his specially equipped wheelchair than during his time walking a city beat. His unlikely second act brought the indefatigable McDonald together with President George W. Bush, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and Mayors Bloomberg and Koch. Though unable to walk or hug his family, he traveled on missions of peace to Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Middle East.
...The officer practiced what he preached: McDonald delivered a stunning public absolution of his shooter on the day of his son’s baptism.
“My simple understanding is that God has asked me to be a witness to do his will in this world,” McDonald told the Daily News before the 25th anniversary of the shooting.
“And I think that's my life.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/steven-mcdonald-nypd-paralyzed-30-years-dead-age-59-article-1.2942612
McDonald died Tuesday at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack at his Long Island home on Friday.
“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,” Mayor de Blasio said.
... McDonald emerged as an even bigger hero from his specially equipped wheelchair than during his time walking a city beat. His unlikely second act brought the indefatigable McDonald together with President George W. Bush, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and Mayors Bloomberg and Koch. Though unable to walk or hug his family, he traveled on missions of peace to Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Middle East.
...The officer practiced what he preached: McDonald delivered a stunning public absolution of his shooter on the day of his son’s baptism.
“My simple understanding is that God has asked me to be a witness to do his will in this world,” McDonald told the Daily News before the 25th anniversary of the shooting.
“And I think that's my life.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/steven-mcdonald-nypd-paralyzed-30-years-dead-age-59-article-1.2942612