Dep. Fire Chief Ray Downey died as he rescued a wounded man from burning hotel Congress honors most decorated NYC firefighter US Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton and Representative Steve Israel announced legislation today to rename the Deer Park Post Office for FDNY Deputy Fire Chief Ray Downey, who was killed on September 11 as he helped a wounded man out of a burning hotel hit by the collapse of the World Trade Towers. A Deer Park resident, Downey was the most decorated member of the FDNY. "Fire Chief Downey was a hero of heroes," Schumer said. "He served New York City for nearly forty years and never stopped. Renaming the Deer Park Post Office for him is the least we can do to pay tribute to a man who dedicated his life to rescuing others." Clinton said "We will never forget Ray Downey's incredible life of bravery and sacrifice. This post office in Deer Park to be named the "Raymond M. Downey Post Office Building" will create a lasting tribute to this legendary figure. Ray Downey leaves behind a grateful community, in awe of all he achieved on its behalf." "New York lost many heroes on September 11th," said Rep. Israel. "This bill honors a man who stood out, even among giants. The speed with which it has passed both the House and Senate shows how much respect Ray Downey and his colleagues are due and how much they will be missed." Serving the New York City Fire Department for nearly forty years, Chief Downey led the Special Operations Command – a division of the FDNY which handles rescue missions, marine operations and control of hazardous materials. In April 1995, Chief Downey spent over two weeks at the ruins of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma city, serving as the operations chief for the Urban Search and Rescue teams for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Downey also directed the evacuation efforts after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and helped FEMA found a national network search and rescue team. Raymond Matthew Downey, born in Sunnyside, Queens, became a New York City firefighter in 1962. He served with the ladder and engine companies of Rescue Company 2 before forming Squad Company 1 in 1977. He remained with Squad Company 1 until 1980, when he returned to Rescue Company 2, serving as its commander for 14 years. He became a battalion chief in August 1994, and joined the Special Operations Command a year later. He was named its leader in 1997, and was promoted to deputy chief in August 2001.

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