First responders in deadly National Guard helicopter crash recognized

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The night of Jan. 20, 2021, a black hawk helicopter spiraled out of control and crashed in a field in Mendon.

Dozens of first responders rushed to the scene.

Monday night those first responders were recognized for their efforts.

The chaos of that night was revisited as they honored the three National Guard Chief Warrant Officers who died: Daniel Prial, Christian Koch and Steven Skoda.

The men and women recognized Monday night were commended for their urgency and professionalism.

“This was a very active scene with a lot of collaboration as we worked to figure out exactly how to navigate the response and recovery of a downed military helicopter, but every mutual aid partner, every supporting agency, just took the ball and ran with it," said Monroe County Fire Coordinator Steve Schalabba.

Special thanks were extended to the Honeoye Falls and Mendon Fire Departments who responded first and who opened up their facilities to other agencies that night.