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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-20
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
March 4, 2025
To recognize, honor, and thank the first responders who demonstrated extraordinary courage,
dedication, and professionalism in their response to the tragic midair collision of
American Eagle Flight No. 5342 and a U.S. army Black Hawk helicopter over the
Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
WHEREAS, on January 29, 2025, at approximately 8:47 PM, a devastating midair
collision occurred between American Eagle Flight No. 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk
helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport;
WHEREAS, this tragic incident resulted in the loss of 67 precious lives, including 60
passengers and four crew members aboard the commercial aircraft and three U.S. Army service
members aboard the helicopter;
WHEREAS, the victims of this tragedy represented a diverse group of individuals from
the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Delaware, Ohio, North Carolina,
Kansas, as well as Russia, including accomplished figure skaters, coaches, and dedicated military
service members;
WHEREAS, first responders from across the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland,
and federal agencies demonstrated exemplary coordination and swift action in their immediate
response to this emergency;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia first responders, including the Metropolitan Police
Department (MPD), Fire and Emergency Medical Services (Fire and EMS), Office of Unified
Communications (OUC), Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA),
as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and Department of Forensic
Sciences (DFS), worked tirelessly to respond to the tragedy;
WHEREAS, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provided
crucial support by deploying warming buses and extending Silver Line service to assist with
diverted flights and emergency operations;
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WHEREAS, Virginia first responders, including the Virginia State Police and Virginia
Emergency Management teams, and Maryland first responders, including divers from Maryland
State Police, Prince George's County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources, played a vital role in the search and recovery operations;
WHEREAS, federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Capital
Response Squad, and the Department of Defense, provided essential support and expertise;
WHEREAS, the nature of the operation was highly complex and responders faced
extremely challenging conditions, including dangerously cold temperatures and an extraordinary
crash scene;
WHEREAS, these brave first responders worked diligently to conduct search and
recovery operations, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to their mission;
WHEREAS, the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies exemplified the
strength of our region's emergency response capabilities and the dedication of our public
servants; and
WHEREAS, these first responders and supporting agencies deserve our deepest gratitude
and recognition for their service during and following this tragic event as well as their ongoing
commitment to serving and protecting the nation’s capital and the surrounding region.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “January 29, 2025 Midair Collision Response Recognition
Resolution of 2025” .
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and commends the
extraordinary courage, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by all first responders and
supporting agencies wh ich participated in the response to the January 29, 2025, midair collision ,
and extends its deepest gratitude for their service during this tragic event.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.