UPDATED PHOTO LINK BELOW: 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

**STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON**

“There is a heroic pilot, who saved himself and approximately 154 other passengers this afternoon. We have had a miracle on 34th street, I believe we now have a miracle on the Hudson.

“This was potentially a very tragic incident. Yet, somehow, this pilot, without any engines, was able to land the plane, with what appears to be few, if any, serious injuries to any of the passengers. The effort was assisted by ferries in the water, New York Waterway’s ferries, the Circle Line, also the Coast Guard got involved. The agencies of the City and the State also collaborated. Our Department of Environmental Conservation will now help as part of the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will be here shortly to conduct a full investigation of the plane and the runway.

“I think for all the times that we have had to appear at these press conferences in rather dismal circumstances, today, we realize how blessed this city is, and how blessed all of us are, particularly the survivors and their families. In simplicity, this is really a potential tragedy that may become one of the most spectacular days in the history of New York City’s agencies, their coordination and the greatness of the people that worked to help the passengers, who will return home to their families.”

UPDATED PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for an updated YWN photos album. NOTE: Photos 36-82 taken by NYRRT; Photos 83-108 taken by Shimon Gifter

(YW-32 / Eli Rowe – YWN)