Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse Chief of Fire Michael Monds announced the appointment of Daniel Downes as 1st Deputy Chief of the Syracuse Fire Department. Downes has dedicated over 20 years to the City of Syracuse.
Downes was appointed as a Firefighter in 2000 and promoted to Lieutenant in 2011. He has been assigned to Engine 8 and the Rescue Company for his entire career. He comes from a family of firefighters, which includes his brother, Tim Downes, who retired in 2006, and their father, Michael Downes, who retired as Chief of Fire in 1994. Downes is also a veteran of the United States Navy. He served on board the USS America (CV-66).
Downes will be taking over for retiring 1st Deputy Chief Steven Evans. Chief Evans has dedicated more than 23 years to the City of Syracuse. Evans was appointed as a Firefighter in 1997; promoted to Lieutenant in 2004; Captain in 2006; District Chief in 2010; and most recently appointed as 1st Deputy Chief in 2018.
“Syracuse is fortunate to have a strong Fire Department that is deep with top-notch fire professionals. Chief Downes is well qualified for the role of 1st Deputy Chief and I thank him for taking on this new challenge in a career of service to our City,” Mayor Walsh said. “Dan has big boots to fill and our City owes a debt of gratitude to Chief Evans exemplary service to and leadership of our department.”
“I am deeply grateful to Chief Evans for all his years of dedicated service to the Fire Department,” Chief Monds said. “I am looking forward to working with Dan Downes to keep the Department running smoothly.”
As he retires, Chief Evans thanks “all of the Firefighters that show up to work every day and make this the best job in the world.”
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