2025 Levittown School District Hall of Fame Inductees

Brian McDonnell

Alumni Award

MacArthur High School, 1981

Brian McDonnell was the kind of person who never hesitated to help others. As a proud member of the Emergency Service Unit Truck 1, stationed on East 21st Street in Manhattan, he was always ready to answer the call. On September 11th, he was last seen heading into the South Tower. It was said about him that he "was a cop's cop. When people get in trouble, they call the police. When the police need help, they call Emergency Services."

But above all else, Brian's heart belonged to his family. His greatest joy was being a dad to Katie and Thomas. He was right there in the delivery room the day Katie was born, his eyes full of tears as his daughter was welcomed into the world.

A former Army paratrooper, Brian served the NYPD for 15 years with quiet dedication. He never looked for recognition or awards, though there were countless times he could have been honored. Loved ones shared that "he wasn't showy. That just wasn't who he was. He simply wanted to help people." He believed in making people feel seen and valued, whether it was his family at home or someone he met on the job.

Brian McDonnell's life was a testament to bravery, selflessness, and devotion to others. He embodied the very best of what it means to serve-both as a protector of his community and as a loving father and husband. His legacy lives on not only in the countless lives he touched but also in the example he set for future generations. Brian's courage and kindness continue to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have through a life lived with honor, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to others.