After serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Middle East, Ray Downey was appointed to the New York City Fire Department in 1962. Chief Downey’s phenomenal 39-year career with the FDNY was built upon success after success and rescue after rescue. One of the most decorated men in the department, Chief Downey received five individual medals for valor and 16 unit citations. Additionally, referred to as “The Master of Disaster” and “God”, Downey, commanding officer of the Special Operations Command (SOC), died in the line of duty while helping others escape from the fire and collapse scene of the World Trade Center on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. He was truly a legend in his own time.
The Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Scholarship Charity Fund All proceeds from the race will benefit the organizations supported by the family of Ray Downey.
As a tribute to Chief Downey's legacy, his family has established the D.C. Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund to keep his memory alive and to benefit the many organizations that Chief Downey cherished.
The measure was introduced by Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills). Downey is the second victim of the Sept. 11 terror attacks Congress has considered naming a post office after.
Downey was chief of rescue operations and a city firefighter for 39 years. He oversaw rescue efforts at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995 and at the 1993 bombing attack at the World Trade Center.
"He's a national treasure," Israel said.
Copyright © 2024 ChiefRaymondDowney.com
All rights reserved.
Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund
Post Office Box 223
Deer Park New York, 11729
