Conor McDonald joins NYPD Academy class

    Although he was speaking to some 1,250 people, it seemed at least one of New York Police Department Commissioner Raymond Kelly's comments was aimed specifically at Malverne resident Conor McDonald.
    The commissioner had told the newest class of NYPD recruits during their July 6 swearing-in ceremony: "You bring unique skills and life experiences that will contribute significantly to the department accomplishing its mission of keeping this city safe."
    This couldn't ring more true for 23-year-old Conor, who was merely a three-month-old fetus when his father, NYPD Det. Steven McDonald, was shot in the neck and paralyzed while on duty in Central Park in 1986. His father's experience has, in its own way, become Conor's and it's the reason he joined the force.
    The Boston College grad, whose mother is Malverne Mayor Patricia McDonald, has known since he was 8 years old that he wanted to serve in the NYPD. "My father got shot, so I felt compelled to serve," Conor was quoted telling reporters after the swearing-in ceremony.
    Acknowledging the dangers of the job and promising to try to "get home in one piece," Conor said he was excited to be one step closer to joining New York's Finest. "This is the greatest thing in the world," Conor said. "There's a lot of love. I want to do my best to protect and serve the people that helped give my family a second life."
    Upon graduating the police academy, Conor will be the fourth generation of his family to serve in the NYPD.