Saturday, June 7, 2025
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
The Chronicle News
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Chronicle News
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 rescuer remembered by son

The Chronicle News by The Chronicle News
September 12, 2024
in News
0
Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 rescuer remembered by son
1
SHARES
6
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
build stronger customer relationships

You might also like

MASTER Builders to hold BBQ rib fundraiser

Repairs will close I-44 ramp at Lee Boulevard

Vietnam Veterans to meet

NEW YORK – Every September 11, the names of the nearly 3000 people who died during the September 11, 2001 attacks are read at the 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the 9/11 memorial for Joe Downey, one name stands out among the rest.

On September 11, 2001, Raymond Downey died while helping rescue those trapped in the World Trade Center towers at the age of 63.

When Joe, a rescue operations battalion chief for the New York Fire Department, got to the towers to help with the rescue operations, he asked if anyone had heard from his father, Raymond. When he was repeatedly told no one had heard from him, he knew his father might be in trouble and grew worried. He later learned his father was dead.

When he was missing after the collapse of the Twin Towers, Raymond’s wife, Rosalie Downey, found a folder in his case. The folder was labeled “that a’ boy.” Inside the folder were letters from people he had helped, thanking him. Raymond never acknowledged the letters to his family, instead choosing to keep his accomplishments to himself.

In 1995, Raymond’s humility and drive to help led him to Oklahoma City.

Then President Bill Clinton and then Governor Frank Keating thanked Raymond for his work. Keating, a Catholic himself, knew Raymond was a Catholic as well. So he gave Raymond a set of rosary beads as a token of his appreciation. According to Raymond’s daughter, Marie Tortorici, he wore them every day until they broke. After they broke, he always had them in his pocket.

It is believed he died with them in his possession. The beads have not been found since.

Following 9/11, the Spirit of Oklahoma, a rescue truck, was gifted to the New York Fire Department in 2002 after Oklahoma students raised nearly $500,000 for the truck. It was gifted as a thank you to the New York firefighters, including Raymond, who helped with the recovery operations following the Oklahoma City bombing. In 2021, the truck was returned to Oklahoma.

During the Oklahoma City bombing clean-up and recovery, Raymond served as the FEMA Operations Chief. He served in the same position during multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo.

In addition to the Oklahoma City bombing, Raymond also responded to the Atlanta Olympics bombing.

One of the last times Raymond was heard from before his death was when he was making sure others were safe.

Raymond was helping civilians near the Marriott Hotel by the World Trade Center. While there, he told two young firefighters to help elsewhere and return when he said it was safe. He never had the opportunity to tell them it was safe.

“A lot of people have said, ‘If it wasn’t Ray Downey ordering me, I would not have left,’” Joe said. “There was a little fear of my dad’s voice; he put a little fear in people.”

“It saved their lives.”

Helping others and making sure they were safe and cared for was one of the older Downey’s missions in life. He was not a father fond of hugs and kisses, according to Joe.

“He was a caring person; he would not miss any of our events or whatever we did, great supporter. I’d like to give him a big bear hug; you know, get one back from him,” Joe said.

Nonetheless, he selflessly cared for others. It was obvious to those around him, even though he rarely mentioned it.

Following in his fathers’ footsteps, in 2005 Joe traveled to New Orleans to help with the rescue operations during Hurricane Katrina.

Raymond Downey was also a founding member of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. The FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force now has 28 teams across the United States.

The elder Downey’s impact on the tactics of modern urban search and rescue is hard to understate. He was ultimately the godfather of urban search and rescue as it is carried out today.

According to a firefighter with the Fire Department of New York, rescue operations in New York would not be where they are today without Raymond Downey.

He authored the book “The Rescue Company.” In the book, he offers guidance on how to start a rescue company. He specifically outlines the equipment and operational planning that is necessary.

He also filmed a series of videos teaching people how to carry out rescue operations.

Operationally, he was at the top of his field. But he also saw the bigger picture and what might happen next.

Following the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, Raymond was a member of the Gilmore Commission. After the bombing, he said, “It’s not a matter of if, but when,” referencing a potentially larger, more devastating attack on American soil.

Many of his colleagues, and those he helped, called him “God,” “master of disaster,” or Poppy. Mainly his grandchildren called him Poppy.

Joe hopes to emulate some of his father’s qualities and instill them in the Rescue Operations teams of the Fire Department of New York, which he helps lead. He hopes to carry on his father’s selflessness and drive to help those in need.

Kevin Eagleson is reporting from Gaylord News’ Washington bureau this fall as part of an OU Daily scholarship.

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net


Want to reach a local audience and grow your business?

Our website is the perfect platform to connect with engaged readers in your local area.

Whether you're looking for banner ads, sponsored content, or custom promotions, we can tailor a package to meet your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities!

CONTACT US NOW
Previous Post

Devol Casino Announces Expansion

Next Post

DOL inspects fair rides for safety

The Chronicle News

The Chronicle News

Related Posts

Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
News

MASTER Builders to hold BBQ rib fundraiser

by The Chronicle News
May 23, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
News

Repairs will close I-44 ramp at Lee Boulevard

by The Chronicle News
May 13, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
Lawton

Vietnam Veterans to meet

by The Chronicle News
May 11, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
News

A new Pope has been chosen, first American pope in history

by The Chronicle News
May 8, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
News

VFW to meet Thursday

by The Chronicle News
April 27, 2025
Next Post
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband

DOL inspects fair rides for safety

Popular News This Week

  • Warrant issued for man accused of hit-and-run wreck

    Warrant issued for man accused of hit-and-run wreck

    47 shares
    Share 19 Tweet 12
  • Former Elgin school janitor accused of child porn hoarding

    16 shares
    Share 6 Tweet 4
  • Repairs will close I-44 ramp at Lee Boulevard

    5 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 1
  • MASTER Builders to hold BBQ rib fundraiser

    3 shares
    Share 1 Tweet 1
  • Quilt Guild to meet April 14

    6 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 2

About

Welcome to The Chronicle. The Chronicle gives you the absolute best news sources that are happening in and around Comanche County! Our news are carefully curated and constantly updated to give you the best and most recent news as soon as they happen.

Categories

  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Latest News

  • MASTER Builders to hold BBQ rib fundraiser May 23, 2025
  • Repairs will close I-44 ramp at Lee Boulevard May 13, 2025
  • Vietnam Veterans to meet May 11, 2025

© 2023 The Chronicle News

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

© 2023 The Chronicle News

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?