Miami-Dade Fire Chief Receives Top State Award

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s (MDFR) Fire Chief David Downey will be named the 2015 State of Florida’s Fire Chief of the Year at the annual Fire Service Awards ceremony on March 1 and 2 in Tallahassee, Fla. The state-wide awards recognize fire rescue professionals’ selfless commitment, innovation, professional development, integrity and dedication to serving residents in their respective communities.

“Chief Downey has dedicated nearly three decades to serving our community, and this well-earned award complements his ever-growing list of achievements,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “As a former fire chief, I know the level of sacrifice, commitment and ingenuity it takes to succeed at the helm of a fire department. Chief Downey has all of the necessary qualities, plus some, to lead Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to even greater levels of excellence.”

The Fire Service Awards are coordinated through the State Fire Marshal’s Office and are sponsored by the Fire Training Director’s Association, the Florida State Firefighters Association, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, the Florida Professional Firefighters Association, the Emergency Preparedness Association and the Florida Forest Service. The honorees are recognized at the Cabinet meeting at the State Capitol.

Chief Downey is a 29-year veteran of the fire service, having spent 24 of those years with MDFR. Beginning his MDFR career in 1988, he worked through the ranks of firefighter, company officer, battalion chief and division chief. He has served as MDFR Fire Chief for the past two years.

In addition to his extensive on-the-job experience, Chief Downey has completed numerous professional courses, earning his associate and bachelor’s degrees in fire science, as well as a master’s degree in public administration. He is certified as a technical rescue technician, flight medic, task force leader and a fire instructor. He also serves as a National Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Representative with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.