Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez appoints Fire Chief

Fire Chief David Downey confirmed at January 23 Commission Meeting

(MIAMI, January 23, 2013) – At today’s Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting, the Commission confirmed Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s appointment of David Downey as the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department’s new Fire Chief.  Chief Downey, who will assume his new role on February 2, 2013, follows the retirement of Fire Chief William W. Bryson.     

Pictured from left to right: David Downey, Incoming Fire Chief, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department; William W. Bryson, Retiring Fire Chief, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department; and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.  Photo by Armando Rodriguez.

“Chief Downey is a longtime public servant who understands the dynamics and diversity of our community.  He is poised to continue the legacy of former Miami-Dade Fire Chiefs,” said Mayor Gimenez.  “I also want to thank Chief Bryson for faithfully serving our community for 38 years.  His leadership and wealth of experience will be missed.”
 
Chief David Downey
Chief David Downey is a 30-year veteran of the fire service.  He began his Miami-Dade Fire Rescue career in 1988, and worked through the ranks of firefighter, company officer, battalion chief, and division chief.  He has served as an operations chief, emergency medical services (EMS) chief, chief of training, and currently as the Assistant Chief of Operations.
 
In addition to his extensive on-the-job experience, Chief Downey has completed numerous professional courses earning his Associates and Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, as well as, a Master’s degree in Public Administration.  He also has certifications as a technical rescue technician, flight medic, task force leader and a fire instructor.  Currently, he serves as a National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force Representative with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
 
Chief Downey’s promotion will follow the retirement of Fire Chief William W. Bryson, who announced his retirement on January 17, 2013.