2 newly minted FDNY members carry on family legacy of Long Island firefighters killed on 9/11

FDNY firefighter Joseph Downey said he knew it was his job to carry on his family’s legacy.

Downey, 28, of Long Beach, grew up hearing heroic stories of his grandfather, Deputy Chief Raymond Downey, of Deer Park, who was 63 when he was killed in the collapse of the north tower on Sept. 11, 2001.

Joseph Downey was among 235 probationary firefighters who graduated on Thursday in Brooklyn, the last class to graduate before the department marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"I've dreamed about this day more than any other day in my life," Downey said after Thursday’s graduation. "This is all I've ever wanted to do, is become a New York City firefighter and follow in my family's footsteps, and carry on the traditions and values that my last name holds and this job carries. It's an honor and a privilege to wear this patch on my shoulder."

The young firefighters trained for 18 weeks at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island, known as "The Rock," learning firefighting skills, search and rescue, and hazmat response. The department dedicated a training site at the academy four years ago to Raymond Downey.

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore noted Downey is carrying on his family’s legacy. As is Robert Palmer, the nephew of Orio Palmer, of Valley Stream, who was killed on the 78th floor of the south tower while attempting to rescue the workers inside.

"You're about to begin something phenomenal, something that will surely change you, but none of this is possible without taking a moment to reflect on the many who came before you," Bonsignore said. "The circle of service continues. Like your father and your uncles before you, you are now part of a legacy of greatness that continues to define the FDNY, and we congratulate you as the last class of graduating firefighters that passed through the academy before the anniversary. Your responsibility is great, if not greater than the many lives lost that day."

Family of firefighters

Downey comes from a family of firefighters, which includes his father, Battalion Chief Joseph Downey, of West Islip, who watched his son graduate on Thursday. His grandmother, Rosalie, wore a pin with her husband’s photo.

Raymond Downey was referred to in the department as "God" as he served as chief of special operations during his 39 years of service. He responded to disasters such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 1995 Oklahoma City federal building bombing.

The younger Downey said he didn’t get to know his grandfather, but continued to live by his principles of faith, family, fitness and the Fire Department. He said he learned through his father and uncle about his bravery and their service in the department.

Downey plans to run 34.3 miles from Long Beach to the World Trade Center to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11, he said.

"I get to live through the stories that are told to me by people that he worked with, people that he knew, people that adored him from all over the country or followed him and watched his videos, and to hear those stories," Downey said. "To give your life for another is the ultimate way to step up or give back. Being there for each other and giving your life for someone else is a sacrifice that I know he didn't question in these final moments."

Robert Palmer, 29, of Yonkers, wore a pin to honor his uncle, with his photo and birthday, on his lapel.

He said he always wanted to be a firefighter to honor his family’s legacy.

"It’s just something that came natural. I wanted to help others," Palmer said. "I guess when you have that in your family heritage, makes it easy to follow those roots."