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Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 rescuer remembered by son

NEW YORK - Every September 11, the names of the nearly 3000 people who diedduring the September 11, 2001 attacks are read at the 9/11 commemorationceremony at the 9/11 memorial for Joe Downey, one name stands out among therest.On September 11, 2001, Raymond Downey died while helping rescue thosetrapped 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 heardfrom his father, Raymond. When he was repeatedly told no one had heard fromhim, he knew his father might be in trouble and grew worried. He later learnedhis 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. Raymondnever acknowledged the letters to his family, instead choosing to keep hisaccomplishments 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 Raymondfor 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 untilthey 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 foundsince.

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