Officials seek to rename Southern State to honor McDonald

"The Steven McDonald Memorial Parkway"

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A bill introduced last Thursday in the State Senate, sponsored by the entire Long Island Senate delegation, would rename a 10-mile stretch of the Southern State Parkway in honor of Malvernite and NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who died Jan. 10. The bill, which is expected to pass the Senate this session, proposes to rename the parkway the Steven McDonald Memorial Highway.

According to the bill, the name change would apply to the section of the Southern State from its western terminus, at the interchange of the Belt Parkway and the Cross Island Parkway, to its intersection with the Meadowbrook Parkway, at exit 22.

“Very rarely do we get to be in the presence of a truly great man,” State Sen. Todd Kaminsky said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have known Detective Steven McDonald, a true hero and the pride of Malverne. It is important that his legacy live on for future generations and that they understand the sacrifices he made not only on behalf of New Yorkers, but all human beings.”

Kaminsky said that McDonald will also be honored on the Senate and Assembly floors in Albany on June 7. His widow, Malverne Mayor Patti Ann McDonald; his son, NYPD Detective Conor McDonald; and members of the New York City Police Department are expected to attend.

McDonald became known nationwide for his message of forgiveness and peace after he was shot and left paralyzed by a teenager in Central Park in 1986.