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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:

  • Sergeant Michael McGuinness
  • Detective John McKenna
  • Detective James Coll
  • Detective Sean Mulcahy
  • Detective Michael Delaney
  • Detective Robert Rodriguez
  • Detective Robert Mirfield

From FDNY:

  • Captain Richard Johnson
  • Marine Engineer Pat Astegher
  • Marine Pilot Robert Spadaro
  • Firefighter John Rizzo
  • Firefighter Tom Sullivan
  • Firefighter Michael Povolny
  • Firefighter Brian McLaughlin
  • Firefighter Stefan Artz
  • Captain Paul Lawlor
  • Lieutenant  Luis Corrales
  • EMT Terrence Chanderdatt
  • EMT Ephrayim Yehowceph

From New York City Office of Emergency Management:

  • Planning Specialist Erin McLachlan

From Port Authority of New York and New Jersey:

  • Captain Kevin Feeley
  • Police Officer John Rice

From NY Waterway:

  • Harbormaster Allan Warren

From Circle Line 42:

  • General Manager Andreas Sappok
  • Boat Captain Mike Duffy






MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Jason Post   (212) 788-2958

US Airways   (480) 693-5729




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