Cops from different backgrounds move up NYPD ranks

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Deputy Inspector Conor McDonald, son of a revered late officer, and Inspector Muhammad Ashraf, a Pakistani immigrant, were promoted among 223 NYPD officers in a ceremony highlighting diverse career paths within the department. Their advancements symbolize the NYPD’s blend of longstanding family legacies and increasing cultural diversity in its ranks.

Two New York Police Department officers from vastly different backgrounds were promoted during a ceremony at NYPD headquarters on Friday, highlighting the diverse paths that lead to service within the force. Deputy Inspector Conor McDonald and Inspector Muhammad Ashraf were among 223 officers elevated in rank during the event.

Conor McDonald is the son of the late Steven McDonald, a prominent NYPD officer who was paralyzed in 1986 after being shot by a teenage assailant in Central Park. Steven McDonald later publicly forgave the teenager and became an advocate for forgiveness and compassion before passing away in 2017. The NYPD Police Academy in Queens was renamed in his honor on July 16. Conor McDonald noted his family's long history with the department, spanning several generations, and expressed pride in continuing the legacy. “My father loved this job,” McDonald said. “My grandfather, my great-grandfather, my great-aunt also served as well. So we have a couple of hundred years in service. We love this city and we love this department.”

In contrast, Inspector Muhammad Ashraf’s journey to the NYPD began after immigrating to the United States from Pakistan at age 21. Initially unable to speak English and facing financial hardship, Ashraf quickly learned the language and pursued higher education. After college, he struggled to find employment in his field of computer science and graphics. One day in Times Square, he noticed a large recruitment billboard encouraging people to join the NYPD. He called the provided number, took the exam, and pursued a career in law enforcement. “I’m not one of those people who grew up dreaming that I wanted to be a police officer when I was a little kid,” Ashraf said.

Ashraf currently commands the 47th Precinct in the Bronx. On Tuesday, he participated in a memorial service at the precinct marking the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of Officer Didarul Islam during a mass shooting on Park Avenue. Ashraf described the emotional weight of leading his command through such difficult moments. “In that moment… my command needs me, the family of the deceased officer, they need me. You just have to be compassionate and physically and emotionally available at all times,” he said.

Conor McDonald, who works at the NYPD press office and developed a close professional relationship with Ashraf following Islam’s death, highlighted the value of having officers with diverse backgrounds on the force. “There’s people from all different backgrounds. We have so many stories, within our job, just incredible stories,” he said.

The promotions underscore the NYPD’s evolving cultural landscape, reflecting both its deep-rooted traditions and the broadening demographic makeup of its officers.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.