Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has highlighted the importance of ongoing emergency preparedness following a recent aviation incident in which a small Cessna aircraft landed safely in the Hudson River. Neuhaus credited the pilot and air traffic controller for their actions, which prevented a more serious outcome, and commended the coordinated response from emergency personnel.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of preparation, training, and collaboration across all levels of government,” said Neuhaus. “I take my public safety responsibility very seriously. I, along with Orange County Emergency Management and County government, remain committed to keeping our residents safe through continued training and readiness drills and our strong, collaborative partnerships.”
Neuhaus referenced an exercise conducted on June 10, 2025, when Orange County’s Emergency Management Team led a full-scale Emergency Operations Center drill simulating an aircraft crash in the Hudson River. The scenario involved a Cessna and a commercial passenger plane and included participation from over 60 agencies. The drill tested marine rescue operations, bridge impact response, mass casualty coordination, federal agency integration, and required full EOC activation.
Stewart International Airport played a central role in that exercise. During the recent incident, Stewart’s air traffic controllers helped guide the Cessna to a controlled landing and quickly notified Orange County 911 dispatchers according to emergency protocols. This rapid communication enabled first responders to be deployed efficiently.
The county executive noted that such incidents underscore the value of regular exercises that test interagency coordination before real emergencies occur. The June 2025 drill reinforced cooperation among Stewart International Airport staff, New York State Police, local fire and EMS agencies, marine units on the Hudson River, other regional emergency management partners throughout the Hudson Valley, and all Orange County departments.
Neuhaus emphasized that having recently practiced for a similar scenario highlights why preparedness efforts are essential for effective crisis response. He reaffirmed Orange County’s commitment to ongoing training programs and operational readiness with municipal, state, and federal partners.
For media inquiries about this matter or related topics in Orange County government operations or public safety initiatives, contact Rebecca Sheehan at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].
Stay connected with updates from Executive Neuhaus via social media platforms including Facebook (@OrangeCountyNYGovt; @Steve.Neuhaus), Instagram (@OrangeCountyNYGovt; @Steve.Neuhaus), and X/Twitter (@OCGovNY; @SNeuhausOC). Additional information about county projects is available through video series like Blueprint Orange as well as podcasts such as NeuCast on the official county website.
