NEW YORK - The late NYPD detective Steven McDonald was shot while patrolling Central Park 32 years ago, and now the department is honoring him in that exact location. 

The department unveiled a plaque dedicated to his memory Thursday.

It reads, "Steven became a messenger of hope and goodwill to the community."

McDonald was shot on July 12, 1986 and publicly forgave the teen who paralyzed him from the neck down.

He's known for supporting wounded officers and championing forgiveness.

His son, Conor, joined the force in 2010 to follow in his fathers footsteps. 

"One thing my dad always told me is never let anything destroy your heart and always understand that he believed in Jesus Christ that love is the way and he said that to me every single day, and I truly believe that," said Conor McDonald.

Steven McDonald died back in January 2017 at 59 years old.