Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) personnel filled in at several Washington, D.C. fire stations late Wednesday and into Thursday so that D.C. rescue units could utilize all their efforts to work on the rescue and recovery operations following the aviation disaster at Reagan National Airport.
A Montgomery County canteen unit assisted at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling air force base, according to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for MCFRS.
Personnel from Montgomery had no first-hand involvement in the actual rescue operations following the midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, Piringer noted.
Both the jet and the helicopter crashed into the Potomac River, and so far, there have been no survivors found.
County Executive Marc Elrich called the disaster “a heartbreaking tragedy,” adding, “our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. This is one of the worst air disasters in our region’s history, and the impact will be felt by communities across the Washington metropolitan area.”
Elrich thanked all the first responders across the region who assisted, “including those from Montgomery County, who worked through the night and continue to be involved in the response. Their bravery, professionalism and dedication in the face of such devastation cannot be overstated.”
He added, “In moments like these, we see the deep ties between jurisdictions in this region and the ongoing work of protecting and serving our residents. Montgomery County stands ready to assist in any way necessary.”
