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'It's easy for people to forget': First responders from Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 honored before Thunder-Knicks

NEW YORK — They stood as one, connected by the fabric of the American flag they stretched across midcourt at Madison Square Garden.

Tragedy is a common thread between Oklahoma City and New York City, but Friday night was about honoring those first responders who bravely worked to overcome it.

It was no coincidence the Knicks scheduled First Responders Night when the Thunder was in town.

Ray Downey is a reason why.

Downey was a deputy chief in the New York City Fire Department. He was also an expert in rescue operations for collapsed buildings.