At FDIC International Opening Ceremony Day 1 on Wednesday, April 27, in Indianapolis, FDIC Education Director Bobby Halton, along with Deputy Chief Ray Downey’s sons Chuck and Joe made a special presentation.
Halton began, “The American fire service is steeped in history, tradition, and ceremony. It is fitting and proper that we are so. Being so provides us with direction, with a sense of purpose, and conveys to the world around us that we are dedicated, focused, and trustworthy.
Photos: Opening Ceremony, FDIC International 2022
“Those who honor their forbears and recognize their legacy demonstrate to the world their wisdom and integrity. In a greater sense by being so, we proclaim unapologetically that those we honor, those we choose to emulate, those we respect, and those we strive to be like shall never be forgotten.
“As is our custom here at FDIC, we remember the fallen of 9/11, our brother firefighters, our fellow fallen guardians from law and other services and our fellow citizens. We dedicate a few brief moments today, but we are forever aware and always reverent of the examples they set, of the dignity they displayed, and the measure they gave.
“Joining me on stage are the sons of the late FDNY Deputy Chief Ray Downey killed on 9/11, Chuck and Joe Downey. We would like to take a few moments to express to you our shared desire that the memory of Deputy Chief Raymond Downey and all who perished that day and their service shall never be forgotten, never stop being honored, and always provide us who follow with that north star.
“The Courage and Valor Foundation has been and continues to be dedicated to preserving and recognizing Deputy Chief Downey and those with whom he served.
“The Courage and Valor Foundation has for 20 years provided an award here, and that commemoration shall continue. Likewise, and fittingly, Deputy Chief Ray Downey’s sons and family have operated the Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund.”
The Downey family established the Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund to continually give to others as Chief Ray Downey had done throughout his lifetime. The family distributes raised funds among the many organizations that Downey felt strongly about. Some of the organizations include the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, the Marty Lyons Foundation, Our Lady of Rosary Knights of Columbus, the FF Thomas Elsasser Fund, and scholarships for Deer Park High School student athletes. In addition to these charities, the Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund hosts scholarships at Hofstra University and Stony Brook University; The Ray Downey Sr. Scholarship and Wrestling Fund at Hofstra University; and the Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Scholarship endowment at Stony Brook University. These scholarships help young students achieve a quality education and enable them to participate in excellent Division 1 College programs.
“This solemn recognition continues but now perhaps in a more meaningful, more impactful way,” said Tobin Biolchini of the Courage and Valor Foundation in a correspondence. “The Courage and Valor Foundation is proud to announce that it is presenting a check to the Deputy Chief Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund in the name of and on behalf of the hundreds of responders whose dedication and courage to the Surfside Collapse were so emblematic of Chief Ray Downey’s legacy. Chief Downey throughout his illustrious career responded to many disasters, always knowing he was placing himself in danger but never alone–just as did all the responders to Surfside.”
Downeys: “Thank you, Toby, and the Biolchini family for this generous contribution. Please know we will use it as our Dad would have wanted us to. To all our fellow responders to the Surfside Collapse, we are honored to accept this donation in honor of your efforts and dedication. Please accept our deepest thanks and appreciation for this support. And to all of those who served so admirably at the Surfside Collapse, thank you for your incredible efforts and exemplary professionalism.”
Halton: “The Courage and Valor Foundation, FDIC, and the American fire service are proud and honored to continue this tradition of remembrance.”
