LON SLEPICKA
Firehouse.com News
Chief Ray Downey
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The Fire Department of New York is confirming that physical remains from
Ground Zero of the World Trade Center have been identified as those of
Deputy Chief Ray Downey. A department spokesman said the identification,
which he believed was made through DNA testing, was confirmed early
Wednesday morning. It was reported that city stations received the 5555
toned dispatch.
Downey, a 39-year veteran of FDNY, was the most highly decorated firefighter
in the history of FDNY and was one of the most respected members to the
department nationwide as an expert in special operations rescue. He was one
of the leaders working extrication at the Oklahoma City Federal Building
bombing in 1995.
He served on the Gilmore Commission, a presidential committee on terrorism
designed to assess domestic response capabilities for terrorism involving
weapons of mass destruction. He was the team leader for the New York City
Urban Search and Rescue Team and representative for all 28 national teams to
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He was commanding rescue operations
at the WTC attack on September 11, 2001 .
Funeral arrangements:
Saint Cyril & Methodious R.C. Church
On Monday, May 20, 2002 at 1015 hours
97 Half Hollow Road
Deer Park, New York
(631) 667-4044
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