Officer McRae Helps to Change Lives On and Off the Job

Officer McRae also helps to train players on the Boldest Football Team.

Here at NYCDOC we recognize our Officers for their bold service on the job and in the community. Today, the spotlight is on Officer Investigator McRae, a cancer survivor who is helping to change lives behind the gate and on the gridiron.

In 2007, while playing linebacker in the semi-pros in Long Island, McRae learned that he had Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after completing medical testing for a rib injury he sustained one game. He then underwent months of chemotherapy and rehabilitation to overcome one of the biggest challenges in his life.
 
The following year, he became a football coach for the Elmont Cardinals, a youth sports club that he played for as a kid. That decision would also pave the way for him to New York City’s Boldest. 

“My dad coached in the program for 25 years and served as the Football Director, so following in his footsteps has been very special,” explained McRae, who became the club’s Football Director in 2015. “One of the parents in the club, who was also a New York City Correction Officer, saw my passion for helping the kids, and recommended that I take the next Correction Officer test because part of the job is being able to help young people. I learned more about the job, took the test and eventually decided to work in this career where I know I can make difference in someone’s life.”

McRae’s service in DOC includes his years of correctional work at the Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) where he provided young men with positive reinforcement and guidance.
 
“When I worked at RNDC, I was able to use football to connect with the adolescents and I was able to talk to them about making better decisions,” said McRae, who has been on the job now for nearly 15 years and who is also the Vice President of Boldest Football. “Helping the youth is a calling. As Officers, coaches and mentors, we care about their safety, wellbeing and success.” 

We thank bold heroes like Officer Investigator McRae every day for using their compassion to help the next generation achieve a bright and productive future.