At the COG Board of Directors meeting on March 12, more than 130 first responders and officials from public safety agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations across the metropolitan Washington region were recognized by area elected officials for their service and bravery in responding to the tragic mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on January 29.
During the event, many leaders highlighted how the swift regional response underscored the value of cooperation among area governments through the National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement (MAA), established by COG to facilitate assistance across jurisdictions for emergencies, events, and training exercises. In total, hundreds of first responders from more than 95 agencies participated in the response and recovery efforts.
“Working together across jurisdictional lines to coordinate and share information and allocate resources is the backbone of regionalism,” said Scott Boggs, the Council of Governments' Managing Director of Homeland Security and Public Safety. The Mutual Aid Agreement (MAA) from 2005 enables this resource sharing and increases the ability to preserve the safety and welfare of the entire region. “It is not a mandate to share resources, this is a coalition of the willing. But as you can see, it’s a very tight coalition,” added Boggs. COG’s coordination on public safety dates back to the 1960s and notably includes the major effort to improve the region’s emergency response after the 1982 Air Florida crash.
First responders received challenge coins in recognition of their heroic rescue efforts.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly, Sr. underscored the importance of preparation, stating that without daily training, “our response would have looked different.” He highlighted the swift coordination of local government in supporting victims’ families, managing communications, and reopening the airport. “This is what good government looks like,” he said. “This is why we plan and exercise and continue to ask for money for training.” Even agencies outside the mutual aid region stepped in without hesitation. For example, the chief noted the contributions of first responders from the Baltimore City Fire Department, which sent six divers to DC the night of the crash. Acknowledging the toll on first responders, Chief Donnelly emphasized the region’s investment in peer support and mental health resources, urging sustained funding for these critical services.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly and Fire Chief Richard Bonnett from The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority speak on the importance of training and preparing for incidents like January 29.
During times of calm, the Council of Governments lays the groundwork for a seamless regional response when crises strike. “COG plays a critical role in bringing jurisdictions together,” said Pamela Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. “So that when crises arise, we are already aligned, allowing us to respond swiftly, effectively, and as one unified region.”
That unity was on full display in the aftermath of the recent emergency, as agencies across the region mobilized in a coordinated response effort. “The strength of our partnerships was evident,” Smith noted, emphasizing the role of mutual aid in ensuring that “every available resource was deployed in the search and recovery efforts.”
But beyond logistics and strategy, the emotional toll on first responders remains a crucial consideration. Echoing Chief Donnelly, Chief Smith acknowledged the lasting impact of the night’s events. “No amount of training could prepare us for what we encountered,” she admitted. “It’s important our members have the time and resources to process what they experienced and to spend time with their loved ones.”
Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Pamela Smith emphasized COG's role in the daily work that supported the coordinated regional response.
Mark Schwartz, Arlington County Manager, emphasized that the foundation for the region’s coordination was laid decades ago. He highlighted how this partnership has continually strengthened over the years since the Air Florida crash, proving its resilience and effectiveness in the face of major crises, including the September 11, 2001 attack and the January 6 riot. “This level of coordination doesn’t normally occur in other parts of the country. We’ve collaborated closely with COG’s Homeland Security Executive Committee, and we meet when there is not a crisis so that when a crisis happens, we can work together. This tragedy reaffirms the need for continuing and evolving regional support,” stated Mark Schwartz. He added “sharing mental health resources for our first responders is not a choice, it’s a necessity so that they can remain resilient and healthy long after the debris is removed.”
Rich Madaleno, Montgomery County's Chief Administrative Officer, stressed that one of the most important aspects of the emergency response was to aid impacted families, highlighting the Family Assistance Center that was opened in Bethesda. “We made sure to provide resources to the families with compassion as they grieved and struggled to understand what happened. Our priority was to offer a protective environment where they could process their emotions privately.”
Before organizing the large gathering of public safety professionals together for a group photo, COG Board Chair Rodney Lusk concluded the recognition stating, “This is the epitome of regionalism; sometimes our counties see each other as economic competitors, but there’s no competition when it comes down to preserving the life and safety of the residents in any place in this region. We are bound together as one.”
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Regional Response to Jan 29 Mid-Air Collision presentation
COG has also promoted work by local non-profits and business partners on relief efforts to support the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, including the “Legacy on Ice” benefit event held at Capital One Arena on March 2 and the DCA Together Relief Fund.
DCA Together Relief Fund