NYPD Honors Steven McDonald at Promotion Ceremony

The NYPD honored one of its most beloved officers at Friday's promotion ceremony.

The department paid tribute to Detective Steven McDonald at its first promotion ceremony since his death. 

• Steven McDonald, NYPD Detective Paralyzed in Shooting More Than 30 Years Ago, Dies at 59

McDonald passed away after a heart attack earlier this month and was a fixture during promotion ceremonies. 

He was paralyzed in 1986 after being shot by a teenager while on duty in Central Park. 

• NYPD Detective Steven McDonald Remembered as True Hero at Midtown Funeral

McDonald publicly forgave his shooter and spent the rest of his life working for peace.

"He was an amazing human being, and he touched so many people just through his optimism and his hope," said Police Commissioner James O'Neill. "Just think about it. He had a struggle for every breath for 30 years. His family, his wife Pattie, his son, Connor, now a sergeant among our ranks, they're just remarkable people." 

More than 100 officers were promoted to the rank of detective during the ceremony.