Free Republic

Conor McDonald, 29, wasn’t born yet, when his father, Steven, suffered a catastrophic gunshot wound in the line of duty. He never knew what it was like to enjoy a bear hug with his dad or play a game of catch. But he certainly received immense love from his father, and their bond ran deep. “I’ll see you on the other side Daddio,” Conor posted on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, several hours after Det. Steven McDonald was removed from life support. “I love you forever.” Conor McDonald posted a poignant photo of him kissing his dad’s forehead, while the elder McDonald...

MANHASSET, LONG ISLAND — Steven McDonald, who became one of the NYPD's most widely recognized heroes when he returned to duty after barely surviving a 1986 shooting in Central Park, died Tuesday at the age of 59, according to city officials. “No one could have predicted that Steven would touch so many people, in New York and around the world,” NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill said Tuesday. “Like so many cops, Steven joined the NYPD to make a difference in people’s lives. And he accomplished that every day. He is a model for each of us as we go about our...