Flight 3407 families celebrate victory

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Families of Flight 3407 victims have been fighting for reforms, and Wednesday they declared victory and vowed to keep fighting.

3407 Widow Justine Krasuski said, “It is a day to celebrate. No it won't bring our loved ones back, but we will celebrate and knowing that they did not die in vain.”

In two-and-a-half years these crash victim's families achieved what the government could not do in two decades. Toughening the rules governing pilot fatigue. Now, they want the rules implemented immediately.

Sister of a crash victim Karen Eckert said, “I call out on all CEO'S in the airlines. You've known this is coming. Adjust your schedules. Get the better rest facilities, your fatigue management systems, and let's do it way before two years. Safety delayed is safety denied.”

Now they move on in the fight for other rule changes, regarding pilot training and qualification.

Mother of a crash victim Marilyn Kausner said, “I don't think we'll be taking any rests. If anything we're more energized. We're going to continue to move forward with the other rules.”

At the Tolsma home, Christmas without husband and father Darren can be emotionally wrenching. But Robin's spirits were lifted by the words of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

LaHood said, “These families, with unimaginable heartbreak turned that into a powerful commitment to save the lives of others.”

3407 Widow Robin Tolsma said, “This is what I can do for him, and I can make sure that somebody doesn’t have to do this again or go through this.”