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
