FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 023-09 January 16, 2009 MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND US AIRWAYS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DOUG PARKER HONOR CIVILIAN AND UNIFORMED RESCUERS FROM FLIGHT 1549 US Airways Pilot Chesley Sullenberger, Co-Pilot and the Crew of Flight 1549 to Be Awarded Keys to the City at a Later Date Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and US Airways Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker today honored the rescuers from Flight 1549. Mayor Bloomberg presented certificates of honor to the civilians and uniformed rescuers who responded to the plane's emergency landing in the Hudson River, and announced that US Airways Pilot Chesley Sullenberger and the crew of Flight 1549 will receive keys to the City at a later date. The Mayor was joined at the announcement in the Blue Room of City Hall by Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno, NY Waterway President Arthur Imperatore, Jr. and Harbormaster Alan Warren, and Circle Line General Manager Andreas Sappok and Boat Captain Mike Duffy. "Yesterday I spoke about the indomitable spirit of our city - no matter how bad things may get, New Yorkers can get through anything - together," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Almost immediately after I finished the State of the City speech, New Yorkers proved that once again - together. When a US Airways pilot made an incredibly skillful emergency landing in the Hudson River, New Yorkers wasted no time in helping the plane's passengers get to safety. Our Finest and Bravest, workers from the Office of Emergency Management, the Port Authority Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, ferry crews from New York Waterway and Circle Line, EMTs and everyday citizens made split second decisions that resulted in a dramatic rescue. And because of their efforts, and the calm, steady leadership shown by Captain Sullenberger and his crew, all 155 people on that plane made it to safety. We live in a city filled with people who are able to face any challenge, and overcome any obstacle, when they work together. That makes me so proud to be a New Yorker today and every day." "On behalf of the US Airways family, we are extremely grateful for the way the people of New York City, and the surrounding areas, pulled together to help the passengers and crew of Flight 1549," said US Airways CEO Parker. "I would like to publicly thank the local New York and New Jersey police and fire departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York Harbor Master, the many ferry boat operators and New York water taxis, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and EMTs who came to our aid yesterday. I also thank the Office of Emergency Management for the City of New York, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and all of the other agencies and organizations who were part of the outstanding support team. I, like the rest of you, am extremely proud of our crew for their quick and heroic actions." The Mayor presented certificates of honor to the following: From NYPD:
From FDNY:
From New York City Office of Emergency Management:
From Port Authority of New York and New Jersey:
From NY Waterway:
From Circle Line 42:
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