Crash showed people at their best … and worst

By Dan Jennings

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 | 12:21 p.m.

Unless you have been living in a cave or taking a vacation on the moon, you have heard about the heroics of the crew members of US Airways Flight 1549: Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles and the three flight attendants. The world now knows everything about Captain Sullenberger, whose poise and courage have inspired millions of people, and 150 passengers now owe their lives to a well-trained and professional crew when the US Airways flight landed in the Hudson River.

You may not have heard about the actions of two passengers who came dangerously close to hindering the evacuation and sinking the aircraft.

One passenger, a woman in her 60s, calmly removed her overhead baggage and proceeded up the aisle, as if to disembark at a terminal with suitcase in tow. Once she exited the aircraft, she grasped the wing and refused to let go of her luggage. Saner passengers forced her onto a life raft as her luggage sank to the bottom of the Hudson River. She obviously had not grasped the severity of the situation, or the frigidness of the river, as she angrily screamed about her lost luggage.

A sole flight attendant at the rear of the aircraft made the correct decision to keep the rear exits closed. However, a woman decided that one of the rear doors would be ideal for personal use and attempted to open it. The alert flight attendant was able to secure the door despite a rush of icy water into the plane.

I do not personally know the two passengers in question. However, I bet that when they arrive at their destinations and drive home, they will occupy the fast lane while driving much slower that the speed limit. They will block the grocery aisle with their carts as they examine a product on the opposite side. They will answer their cell phones in the movie theater during critical dialogue. They will ... I think you get the picture.

Perhaps I am being a bit harsh on two people whom I do not know. No, if I were being harsh, I would recommend that both be banned from flying on commercial aircraft for life.

Despite the borderline catastrophic actions by two passengers, the majority of folks kept their cool and paid attention to the trained professionals during this critical incident. The actions of 148 of the 150 passengers ensured that the miraculous landing on an icy river had a happy ending.

January 8 — Assist a citizen

Officers attempt to locate a SUV operated by a Canadian tourist who had left his wife at a gas station in Kingman, Ariz. The wife apparently was using the ladies restroom when her husband departed for Las Vegas without her.

January 9 — Arson

Officer Woolsey responds to ABC Park after someone reports a brush fire. His investigation determines that a 13-year-old girl deliberately set fire to some leaves and he arrests her for third-degree arson. Excellent investigation by Officer Robert Woolsey!

January 10 — Warrant Arrest

Officers respond to a domestic disturbance on Darlene Way at midnight. During their investigation, they determine that a man being questioned had warrants for his arrest from Henderson Police Department.

January 11 — Domestic Disturbance

Officers respond to the 800 block of Utah Street when someone reports a loud argument between a man and woman. The investigating officers learn that both parties were intoxicated and arguing about a fast food order. The situation is settled when the woman agrees to spend the night with her mother.

January 12 — Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

Officer Perkins investigates a parked vehicle in the parking lot of the Nevada Welcome Center in the early morning hours. He learns that the vehicle had been stolen from Orlando, Fla., late last month. Officer Perkins arrests a 43-year-old man for possession of a stolen vehicle and possession and use of a stolen credit card. The owner of the vehicle was very excited to learn that his Ford truck had been recovered. Excellent work by Officer Tom Perkins!

January 12 — Minor in Consumption of Alcohol

Officers respond to ABC Park at 5:30 p.m. and subsequently issue citations to several juveniles who had been consuming alcohol. All were released to their parents. Suspension dates for their respective driver's licenses will begin the same day their driver's licenses are issued.

January 13 — Assist a Citizen

Traffic Officer Cazett assists a citizen by removing a stuck scooter from the sidewalk.

January 14 — Wanted Person

Officer Barth stops a vehicle for a traffic violation on the Truck Route at 10:15 p.m. A records check reveals that the passenger has a Metro Police arrest warrant. Officer Barth takes custody of the passenger and delivers him to Metro police.

Weekly Stats

Incident reports — 45

Traffic stops — 211

Citations — 112

Adult arrests — 17

Juvenile arrests — 1

Animal Control calls — 109

Boulder City Police Sgt. Dan Jennings can be reached at [email protected].