Sgt Downie enrolled in the CF in the summer of 1985, and after basic training and QL3 training at CFFA in Borden, he commenced his career as a 651 Firefighter. His first posting was to Cold Lake, before making that shift to the navy on the East Coast, going to HMCS FRASER and IROQUOIS, before heading ashore to Shearwater, then back to Cold Lake, then Greenwood and Trenton. In 2006, he returned to Cold Lake to 4 AES for six months, followed by a quick move to HMCS CALGARY in January 2007. A posting to the Damage Control Division of the Fleet School in Esquimalt came in June of 2008, where a second career opportunity presented itself to Sgt. Downie.

Daran will be retiring to the Edmonton area later this summer to commence his new career as a safety officer.

A retirement luncheon will be held at 1200, Friday 25 July 2008 at the Six Mile Pub in Colwood for Daran. At that time, we will raise a glass in a toast to his successful career and good wishes to the new one in Alberta. Stories and congratulations can be sent PO1 Barry Gifford (Gifford.BW@forces.gc.ca), or by mail to CFFSE Damage Control Division, PO Box 17000, Station Forces, Victoria, B.C. V9A 7N2