34.3 DocuSeries Pt.4 | The Downey Legacy
In Pt. 4 of our DocuSeries we meet 34.3 core member, Joe Downey. Joe has been serving the FDNY for only 2 years but his family has been serving the FDNY for close to a century. The Downey family has given more than most could imagine to the city of New York. Joe’s Grandfather, Deputy Chief Ray Downey gave his life on Septmeber 11th, 2001. Chief Downey’s sons have come up the ranks and followed in their fathers footsteps. Take the time and listen to Joes story about his and his families experience on 9/11/01 and how they are determined to give back to the FDNY and continue the Downey legacy
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Follow along with this new docuseries filmed by @ryanmack , @ihaveshittodo and @dosbeach . These are the stories from the birth of the 34.3 Foundation to all the growth and hard work that has taken place to bring us to our current status in 2024. Presented with the @ufa , we hope you take some time and listen to these stories as we encourage you all to help us with our organic growth on social media and the web and gain support for our cause. We are committed to forever honoring and remembering the 343 FDNY members lost on September 11th, 2001 and we strive to raise funds for our Line of Duty Death Fund which supports firehouses and families of FDNY members that make the supreme sacrifice on this job as well as active members that pass away.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us to this point. To learn more about our organization please head to
VIDEO: @ryanmackphoto@jerseyshorefireresponse
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#runtoremember #memoriesintomiles #memoriesovermiles #neverforget #9112001 #honorthefallen #september11th2001 #rememberthenames #fdny #running #runningmotivation #dailymotivation #runnersofinstagram #noquit #runningmindset #mindovermiles
#fdny #fdnyufa #firedepartment #nycig #newyorkcity #nypd #firstresponders
The Downey reputation was built on sacrifice, dedication & commitment to the life of service, FDNY and City of New York. Today is one of the proudest days of my life because I officially get to carry on the legacy of the Downey name 🇺🇸
For the past two years, I’ve had the great privilege of creating videos, producing content, and help run the social media accounts for my employer.
I’m far from perfect and have made mistakes that brought unwanted attention to myself, my family, and my bosses. That was never my intention.
My goal was always to honor the legacy of those who came before me and to highlight the traditions, values, operations, and people that make this the greatest job on earth.
Carrying a name associated with a strong legacy and reputation, I wanted my time in this position to be defined by MY contributions. I worked hard to ensure no one could ever say this role was given to me solely because of my last name. I believe my time here was earned, and that my work reflects that.
I have met incredible people, learned more about the job than I ever imagined, and built lifelong friendships and memories. Most importantly, I want to thank my bosses who made all of this possible and worked alongside me to help me grow and become the best version of myself.
Grateful to represent the FDNY and go to battle alongside the bravest and the best. Cheers to having the trophy back where it belongs — this one’s for you, Joey Herman 🙏🏻 You’ll always live on through us, brother.
2025 TCS New York City Marathon in đź‘– alongside my dad.
The original goal was to go sub-3, but once the FDNY vs. NYPD lacrosse game got moved to the day before, I knew that plan was off the table.
Honestly, I’m so glad it worked out that way—it gave me the chance to run with my father, soak in the atmosphere, and truly feel the incredible energy of New York.
There’s nothing quite like this day. God bless everyone who ran, cheered, and supported—and God bless the FDNY.
I’m honored to be a part of the 34.3 Foundation and to run in remembrance of all those we lost on September 11, 2001.
I promise to NEVER FORGET and to do everything in my power to make sure that same promise is carried on by all Americans.
All photos were taken by @parascandola_james . I don’t know him personally, but I’m grateful to have him and @jerseyshorefireresponse there to capture the emotions of the day.
As a fellow videographer, I truly appreciate the craft of capturing these moments through the lens—making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people. Long Beach and the FDNY have given me lifelong friends and memories that I’ll carry with me forever.
Denim time đź‘–
First and foremost, big shoutout to my partner @kenzfreiler for stepping up last minute to race with me and make this happen. Absolutely crushed it and didn’t complain once chasing me around.
I’ve put my body through hell the last 3 weeks—Ultra marathon, Ironman 70.3, and HYROX, back to back to back. But what’s come out stronger than ever is my mind. I keep proving to myself that the possibilities are endless if you push past your breaking point.
The movie’s just getting started, grab your popcorn 🍿
9 days after the 34.3 mile ultra run, I tackled my first Ironman 70.3 at Jones Beach.
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run in 5 hours 43 minutes and 24 seconds.
Just five days ago, I did my first open water swim ever for 300 yards. Saturday was my second time swimming for distance in open water, and I finished the full 1.2-mile swim (2,090 yards) in 52 minutes. A lot of people said it couldn’t be done.
My longest bike ride before the race was 40 miles, and I was averaging around 16 mph leading up to the race. Yesterday, I completed 56 miles in 2 hours and 57 minutes, averaging 18.8 mph.
I love discovering who I am in times of pain, struggle, and uncertainty. I want to carry and protect the Downey name with pride and honor, and be remembered as someone who didn’t quit.
All glory to God, and a huge thanks to my parents, my family, my girlfriend, and my coaches for believing in me and always showing up for me.
Today we run 34.3 miles for the 343 FDNY members who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
The run is not just about endurance—it is about sacrifice. “Running 34 miles is tough,” Blatt said, “but it’s nothing compared to what those 343 members faced when they arrived at the World Trade Center on the morning of 9/11.
They ran into those burning towers while everyone else was trying to get out, with one mission: to save as many lives as possible, even if it meant losing their own.”
In three weeks, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we’ll be running 34.3 miles from Long Beach to Ground Zero to honor, remember, and never forget the 343 FDNY members who died in the line of duty and all those who are still suffering and dying from WTC-related illnesses.
30 days until my @34.3foundation brothers and I run side by side from Long Beach to Ground Zero to honor the 343 (and counting) FDNY members who lost their lives on 9/11 and in the years that followed.
