Ray Downey Sr. was a longtime supporter of Hofstra Athletics and a Deputy Chief with the FDNY. His connection to Hofstra runs deep, as two of his sons competed in wrestling for the Pride. The Hofstra wrestling room bears his name, a lasting tribute to his commitment to the program and the University. 

Downey, chief in charge of the Special Operations Command, was one of FDNY's most decorated firefighters and a bona fide department icon. His accomplishments are legendary and monumental.

Downey was a panel member of the presidential committee on terrorism known as the Gilmore Commission, which assessed domestic response capabilities for terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction. As a founding member of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Team network, he responded to the Walton Floods and the 2000 ice storm in upstate New York; Hurricanes Hugo‚ Andrew‚ Fran‚ Marilyn‚ Opal and Georges; and the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics. He was the FEMA Operations Chief at the Oklahoma City bombing, and several of the major hurricanes. Ray authored the book The Rescue Company and he created a series of videos on collapse operations.

He was the recipient of the Crystal Apple Award issued by Mayor Rudy Giuliani on July 23, 2001. After his death, Chief Downey received the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Congressional Fire Services Institute Mason Langford Award, and the Medal of Courage Award upon induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In his home community of Deer Park, a road and the post office were renamed in his honor.

After his passing, the Downey family created a scholarship fund to honor Chief Downey's memory. A scholarship is presented annually to a Hofstra wrestler who demonstrates the integrity, work ethic, discipline, and courage that Deputy Chief Ray Downey exemplified throughout his life. 

Downey's legacy reflects courage, service, and an unbreakable bond with the Hofstra community.

Chief Downey was survived by his wife, Rosalie, children, Kathy, Raymond‚ Charles‚ Marie and Joseph, and nine grandchildren.