19th Annual 2020 Race Update

Unfortunately, our 19th Annual DC Raymond M Downey “Forever Running” Memorial 5K Run/Walk will be canceled as a live event. As a family of first responders, we understand and see firsthand the gravity of what has happened in our state and in our local communities. We have seen loss among our own families and friends. We obviously cannot fund raise this year like we usually do, as so many of our donors and sponsors have been affected physically and financially. We, however, would like to continue to donate to organizations and charities we have supported in the past and will continue in the future. The Father’s Day 5K Run/Walk is our only fundraising event that keeps the D.C. Raymond M. Downey Scholarship/Charity organization funded.
If you would still like to make a donation to the charity fund, we will be offering a “Virtual Run/Walk”. We ask that you run/walk a 5K during the week of June 21st (Father’s Day- June 28th) following appropriate CDC guidelines or at a later date when you feel safe to run outdoors. You could sign up at https://runsignup.com/raydowney5k

We were unable to make shirts for this year's event but we are going to offer tie-dyed versions of past year staff shirts or runner shirts for those who register. -Shirts are NOT guaranteed (sizes and colors of race shirts are limited- it will be first come first serve) and will be pickup only, in which dates and locations will be provided. Contact Kathy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text 631-495-4026

All proceeds raised will be donated in memory of our father to support COVID-19 affected.

There will be links to social media sites for you to post pictures of yourselves running in past, or tie-dyed versions of the race shirt.

Thank you for your continued support of our event, “We will never forget”.
The Downey Family

News - June 2019

The Downey Family would like to thank all the runners who participated in the 18th Annual DC Raymond M Downey "Forever Running" Memorial 5K Run/Walk. It was another great day and we appreciate your continued support. Pro Game Athletics has sponsored of our event for the second year and we couldn't be happier to be working with their professional team. Pro Game Athletics has offered to make an additional donation to our fund through their camps. Please consider signing up your child in the camps and the Downey Scholarship Charity Fund will receive a donation. 
For run times and finish line video go to www.start2finish.com

 

Run photos will be posted on face book- DC Raymond Downey Fathers Day 5K Run Walk shortly

 

"We Will Never Forget"

About Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey
 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.

Scholarship Charity Fund


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.

Read more

2020 Annual Run Information

See info above

2019 Race Times / Results / Awards

In Memory of DC Ray Downey

Read More About Chief Raymond Downey

In The News

By Samuel Bruchey and Michael Rothfeld newsday.com, 12/16/2001

They braced themselves against metal railings on the cold, clear morning Saturday, hundreds of them, to pay their respects to the New York City firefighter they always knew as a giant, and now the world knows, too.

In the street, Raymond Downey's troops stood saluting him for the last time as the truck from Rescue Company 2 rumbled slowly down Deer Park Avenue.

Then with only his memory to honor, firefighters unloaded a bed of red, white and blue flowers with his helmet resting on top and carried them into the packed Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. Additional mourners gathered in an adjacent school to watch the memorial service on a large-screened television.

Governor Keating Remembers Fallen New York Fire Hero Who Helped Oklahoma in 1995

I first met Ray Downey late on the night of April 19, 1995, in front of the bleak, bombed-out skeleton of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. It was rainy and cold, and we were just beginning the awful work of bringing out the dead from the scene of what was, until Tuesday, the worst domestic terror attack in American history.

newsday.com, 12/15/01

NEW YORK -- Thousands of firefighters gathered Saturday at a memorial for their fallen colleague Ray Downey, one of three top Fire Department officials lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Downey, chief of special operations command, was a firefighter for nearly 40 years and was the city's most decorated firefighter at age 63.

Congress has unanimously approved a plan to name the Deer Park, L.I., post office after New York Fire Chief Raymond Downey, who died at the World Trade Center.




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