Paying tribute to a local fallen hero at the Annual Deputy Chief Ray Downey, Forever Running Memorial 5K Run in Deer Park.

The 9th Annual Deputy Chief Ray Downey, Forever Running Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Deer Park  raised nearly $25,000 this year.  Five thousand people came out to pay tribute to a local hero.

“I’m proud to pay tribute to Deputy Chief Raymond Downey and all of the heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001,” Senator Owen H. Johnson said.  “Together we can honor them for their bravery and courage by coming out to raise money for our community.”

The money raised at the event will go to many local charities, organizations and scholarships  including the FDNY Burn Center Foundation, Fire Family Transport, Marty Lyons Make a Wish Foundation, Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation, Knights of Columbus, along with many youth programs in Deer Park.  Scholarships were also given to Deer Park student athletes who have a connection to the events of 9/11.