FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2019
DAVIE FIRE CHIEF JULIE DOWNEY AWARDED 2019 SOUTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS CAREER FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR
Davie, Fla., - Davie Fire Rescue Chief Julie Downey recently received the 2019 Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Career Fire Chief of the Year award. Chief Downey was presented with the award at the SE Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference on Thursday, July 18, 2019, in Tennessee.
With over 37 years of service in fire rescue, she has played an instrumental role in implementing several programs over the years. Most notably, the Stop the Bleed initiative for which the Town of Davie was recognized in 2015 by the White House for being a leading agency for this program. This program empowers the general public to stop life-threatening bleeding by providing access to tourniquets and other bleeding control equipment.
Downey began her career as a firefighter with the City of Sunrise. During her tenure, she served in the capacity of driver/operator, lieutenant and Emergency Services (EMS) Supervisor. In 2004, she joined the Town of Davie Fire Rescue Department. With the Town, she served in the capacity of Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief (overseeing EMS and public education) and in 2016, was promoted to Fire Rescue Chief.
She has earned degrees in organizational leadership, nursing, fire sciences, and emergency medical services.
“Working in the fire rescue field for almost four decades has been such a rewarding experience, I would not have wanted to do any other profession and believe this is the best job there is” Downey said. “I am determined to ensure that we provide top-of-the-line emergency services, invest in state-of-the-art technology, promote and encourage development through education and training, and implement new and proven strategies to benefit our residents.”
Mayor Judy Paul said Chief Downey is dedicated to her craft and it is demonstrated by the awards she receives.
“Chief Julie Downey is a trusted leader in her field and the community,” said Paul. “We are not surprised that she was awarded this honor and are extremely proud of her. Her love and passion for this profession make her an asset to the Town.”
Please help us congratulate Fire Chief Julie Downey on receiving this prestigious award.
About the Southern Association of Fire Chiefs
The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs is the largest Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) representing more than 2,000 members in 10 states, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.
The Fire Chief of the Year award is bestowed upon a Fire Chief to recognize an outstanding individual whose actions and leadership serve as an example for other chief officers throughout the Southeast. Nominees are evaluated based on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity and contributions to the fire service.
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Media Contact:
Leona Henry, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager
Office:954-797-1035
Sussette Rodriguez, Public Relations Assistant
Office:954-797-1102
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