NYPD Academy to Be Renamed in Honor of Detective Stephen McDonald

The NYPD Police Academy is set to be renamed in memory of Detective Stephen McDonald, a notable figure in the department’s history.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that the expansive 30-acre campus in Queens will bear McDonald’s name, emphasizing that he embodies the type of officer the department aspires to cultivate.

“Stephen McDonald didn’t just meet expectations; he reshaped how the public perceives the NYPD and, indeed, themselves,” Tisch remarked. McDonald, who was tragically shot by a teenage suspect in 1986, made a significant impact through his advocacy efforts, even after being paralyzed from the waist down.

Tisch highlighted McDonald’s incredible courage and his decision to pursue a life defined by dignity and forgiveness rather than bitterness.

“It’s my hope that every officer entering the Stephen D. McDonald Police Academy understands the ideals this department cherishes,” she said.

The renaming is anticipated to be finalized by July 16, coinciding with the 42nd anniversary of McDonald’s own entry into the academy, a moment that his wife described as life-changing.

In July 1986, during his second year on duty, McDonald was shot three times by a 15-year-old robber, which left him paralyzed. Despite these challenges, he went on to live for over three decades, even extending a message of forgiveness to the young man who shot him.

Recently, Tisch spoke to the families of other fallen officers about this significant decision to honor McDonald at a place that represents the beginning of a police officer’s career. McDonald passed away in 2017 at the age of 59.

Patti Ann McDonald, the detective’s widow, expressed her gratitude for Tisch’s recognition of Stephen’s story and its importance for future officers.

“This is such a kind gesture. It’s really about Stephen, and what he stood for, and I think it’s essential for future generations,” she said.

MacDonald joined the academy on July 16, 1984, at its former location in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park. The current facility in College Point opened in 2014.

Following his training, McDonald worked at the Central Park Police Station. After his shooting, he passionately advocated for peaceful conflict resolution, focusing on issues from youth violence to global conflicts.

Connor McDonald, Stephen’s son and an NYPD Captain, noted that his father exemplified the qualities of an ideal officer—integrity, honor, and a commitment to bridging gaps between the police and the community.

“My father truly gave his all for the NYPD,” Connor said, highlighting his father’s service as a Navy veteran and his deep faith.

Connor conveyed his hope that his father’s legacy will endure, particularly with the renaming of the academy. “In 20 or 30 years, I want officers to learn about my father’s story and how he lived his life despite his injuries,” he reflected.

Shabbod Jones, the shooter, was sentenced to nine years in prison and tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident shortly after his release in 1995.