[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27965]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 27965]]

                 RAYMOND M. DOWNEY POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3379 
introduced by Congressman Israel, I also rise in strong support of the 
Raymond M. Downey Post Office Building Designation Act. This 
legislation is a small, but fitting, tribute to one of New York City's 
bravest fire chiefs.
  Chief Downey was the most decorated member of the New York City Fire 
Department and leader of the department's special operations unit. At 
age 63 with 39 years on the job, Chief Downey was a ``firemen's 
fireman'' as they say in the fire service. He was a national expert on 
urban search and rescue and led a team of New York City firefighters 
who responded to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Chief Downey even 
testified before a House committee in 1998 on the topic of weapons of 
mass destruction, sharing his valuable knowledge with our colleagues. 
He truly defined what is meant by calling New York City firefighters 
the ``world's bravest.''
  As I watched the events of September 11th unfold in my Washington 
office with my staff, I remember thinking, God be with the firefighters 
who are going in there to save lives. As a true leader Chief Downey was 
on the front lines with his personnel directing the rescue efforts. As 
he had done in the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, Chief 
Downey's efforts saved thousands of lives. Sadly, with 343 of his men, 
Chief Downey made the ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day.
  It is said that a firefighter's first act of heroism is taking the 
oath to become a firefighter. From there on, the rest is just part of 
the job. As we recognize Chief Downey today, it is important to 
remember not only his heroic deeds of September 11th, but his 
extraordinary firefighting career as well. His wife Rosalie commented, 
``He never complimented himself. He always did what he had to do.'' We 
as a nation are forever grateful for what Chief Downey and his fellow 
firefighters did on September 11th. We are also grateful for what our 
nation's firefighters continue to do everyday in this country, saving 
lives and property. The spirit of Chief Downey will continue to live on 
through this post office in Deer Park and in the fire service forever.

                          ____________________