The NYPD police dog was named after hero cop Steven McDonald, who died of cancer

Gone – but not forgotten.

A popular NYPD canine cop, named after a hero detective who was paralyzed on duty, has died after a battle with cancer, police said Thursday. he was 7

The hardworking Dutch Shepherd — named K9 Steven in honor of the late Manhattan detective Steven McDonald — had worked with Officer Joe Brayuha for six years to serve “the city and the country,” the NYPD said on Facebook.

“We regret to announce the death of K9 Steven, named after the late hero Detective Steven McDonald, following a battle with cancer.” wrote the department.

“K9 Steven and his partner, PO Joe Brayuha, have dedicated their service as a team to the city and country – including four stints with NY Task Force 1.”

Specializing in search and rescue and disaster relief, the police dog has been deployed to Florida three times to help with hurricanes and a Miami building collapse. He also helped recover from a hurricane in Louisiana.

“Steven was just like my father – very happy and he loved people,” said Lt. Conor Mcdonald, son of the late detective. “My father loved dogs, he always had one as a child. He would have loved Steven.”

The dog was popular Instagram account He shows him practicing commands, playing in the snow, and sitting adorable at a desk.

The Instagram page frequently paid tribute to McDonald, who died in January 2017 – more than 30 years after he was shot by a teenager while responding to a bicycle theft in Central Park.

McDonald, after whom a street in the park is named, died at the age of 59 from respiratory complications from his injuries.