New FDNY disaster simulator dedicated to Deputy Chief Raymond Downey, who was killed on 9/11
NEW YORK — The FDNY has a model new manner to prepare its members for a few of the most complex rescues.
The simulator was dedicated Thursday to a beloved member of the division who made the final word sacrifice on 9/11.
At first look, the large pile of rubble seems like the most recent disaster in New York City with the damaged fuselage of a aircraft, crushed vehicles and piles of concrete, however the firefighters feverishly working the scene are coaching on the FDNY Fire Academy.
“Possibly somebody’s under there. They’re trying to get them out. They’re in a confined space,” FDNY Battalion Chief Joe Downey defined.
Downey confirmed CBS2’s Andrea Grymes the most recent coaching website — every bit of rubble meticulously positioned to simulate a number of completely different real-life disasters.
“Here they got a parking garage collapse with heavy concrete. We have a blind shaft elevator. We get that all the time where somebody’s stuck in the elevator shaft,” Downey mentioned.
The coaching website features a actual aircraft that was not getting used, moved to the location from Kennedy Airport. Thousands of FDNY members will prepare there each year, notably members of particular operations.
You might say responding to conditions like these is within the Downey household’s blood. The battalion chief’s brother, Chuck Downey, is deputy chief of the fireplace academy, and their father was particular operations deputy chief Raymond Downey, affectionately referred to as the “master of disaster,” an knowledgeable on constructing collapses and technical rescues. He served not solely right here, however throughout the nation when known as upon, together with after the Oklahoma City bombing. Raymond Downey had 39 years within the FDNY when he was killed on 9/11.
“He was extremely knowledgeable and determined and a staunch believer of our training. He cared deeply for the safety of his members and for the public he served,” mentioned John Hodgens, appearing chief of division for the FDNY.
Thursday, colleagues and household gathered as one pile of rubble was formally named the Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey All-Hazards Disaster Training Site.
His widow informed CBS2 it is an “unbelievable” honor.
“He would say this was too much for him. Very proud,” Rosalie Downey mentioned.
A dedication to coaching and, greater than 20 years later, to always remember.
We’re informed nearly the whole lot on the brand new coaching website was donated.
