Portion Of Southern State To Be Renamed After Det. Steven McDonald

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law on Thursday that will officially rename part of the Southern State Parkway the "Detective Steven McDonald Memorial Highway."

The Southern State will be renamed from the interchange of the Belt Parkway and the Cross Island Parkway to Exit 22. The renamed portion of the road will pass through Malverne, where McDonald lived with his family until his death in January.

"Local residents will be reminded of his service every day when they drive this stretch of highway bearing his name," Assemblyman Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook) said in a press release.

McDonald was on duty on when he was shot in the spine by a 15-year-old in 1986, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. However, he gained the admiration of the country when he forgave the young man who shot him. He then spent the rest of his life traveling the world spreading a message of kindness and perseverance.

"This honor will help ensure that his sacrifice, service and advocacy will never be forgotten," Cuomo said.

McDonald died in January at the age of 59, following a heart attack.

The law was carried through the Assembly by Curran and through the Senate by Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) and Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Smithtown.)

"Few people possessed the courage and the capacity for forgiveness of Det. McDonald," Kaminsky said. "I consider it a great honor to have known him. A true hero, and Malverne resident, Steven embodied a grace that is, unfortunately, all too rare. Our children do not have to rely on superhero movies to learn about heroics — they just need to learn about Det. McDonald."

Det. Steven McDonald's family joined police officials and senators for the passage of the bill through the Senate in June. Photo: Todd Kaminsky's Office.