New York City, N.Y., Jan 17, 2017 / 00:18 am
Thousands gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Friday to commemorate and mourn the loss of Officer Steven McDonald, one of the city's most influential police officers who died last week from a heart attack at the age of 59.
"Detective Steven McDonald was an icon of mercy and forgiveness, a prophet of the dignity of all human life, a radiant symbol of the best of what the New York Police Department represents, a loving husband and father, and a fervent and faithful Catholic," stated Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, according to the New York Daily News.
Officer McDonald is a household name for some in the New York area, where over 30 years ago, he became known as a herald of peace and mercy in a city stricken by violence and drugs.
On July 12, 1986, Officer McDonald was a newly minted NYPD officer with a bright future, having served only two years on the force, when he was shot three times by a teenager in Central Park, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.