Survivors of the Shield

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

NYPD Police Academy Renamed in Honor of Detective Steven McDonald
The renaming of the NYPD Police Academy is a fitting tribute to Detective Steven McDonald, who embodied the highest ideals of policing: courage, faith, and forgiveness.
Shot and paralyzed in the line of duty in Central Park in 1986, Steven chose forgiveness over bitterness. He publicly forgave his shooter and spent his life promoting peace, reconciliation, and hope.
A key supporter of Survivors of the Shield from its earliest days, he stood with our founding widows and met with Governor Mario Cuomo to advance the COPS Agenda. These efforts secured vital benefits that have supported generations of NYPD line of duty families.
His legacy lives on in every recruit who enters the Academy, every officer who wears the badge, and every family strengthened by his compassion.
Detective McDonald taught us that true strength lies in grace amid suffering and the power to forgive. May his example continue to inspire all who serve.

07/16/2026

The NYPD Police academy to be renamed today in honor of Detective Steven McDonald 🩵

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the sprawling 30-acre Queens campus, which is responsible for the training of New York’s Finest, will be named after McDonald because he is “truly the e…

05/15/2026

04/15/2026

Today, we attended the annual Mass to honor the memories of our friends, united by a bond we never wanted but will carry forever.
We are the widows and widowers of NYPD heroes—men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Though our loss is profound, so is our pride. We lean on one another, remember together, and keep their legacy alive through our strength, love, and unwavering support.