WASHINGTON — First responders and officials were honored for their bravery in the aftermath of the tragic midair collision over the Potomac River on Jan. 29.
The recognition was held during the Council of Governments monthly meeting on March 12 where officials highlighted the extraordinary efforts of those who responded to the disaster, WJLA reported.
The collision, which involved an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, claimed 67 lives. More than 300 first responders, representing over 90 agencies across the DMV and beyond, worked tirelessly during search and recovery operations in freezing river conditions.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith commended her department’s response, calling it “nothing short of extraordinary.” She emphasized the relentless work of MPD’s harbor patrol in recovering victims to provide closure for families.
When detailing the police department’s response, she explained that first responders dealt with strong currents in the Potomac River, freezing temperatures and an “ever-evolving debris field.”
Smith also acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy took on responders, stating, “No moment or amount of training could prepare us for what we encountered that night and the weeks to follow.”
Local fire and police chiefs also praised the swift regional cooperation, made possible by the National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement, which facilitates emergency support between neighboring jurisdictions.
