Throughout at the moment’s 9/11 commemoration, the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery is being formally awarded to a younger lady who rescued her aged neighbors from a home fireplace in Wales, Massachusetts final yr.
“On this solemn day of national remembrance, we honor those lost in the September 11 terror attacks while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the bravery, compassion and patriotism shown by those confronted with the unimaginable events of that tragic day,” mentioned Gov. Maura Healey. “Sweeney Award recipients exemplify the very best of humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there are always individuals, like Jillian Smith, who rise to the occasion, bravely facing adversity and embracing the call to help others.”
Jillian Smith, a 26-year-old from Wales, is being introduced with the annual award by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the State Home on Wednesday morning following the state’s 9/11 commemoration.
The Sweeney Award is called after the Acton-native flight attendant who heroically known as all the way down to report essential details about the hijackers and their actions. Sweeney was aboard American Airways Flight 11, which was the aircraft hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the North Tower of the World Commerce Heart.
On the twenty third anniversary of the tragic flight, her award honors Smith and her life-saving bravery.
On Dec. 18, 2023, at about 8 a.m., Smith noticed and ran to a fireplace at her neighbor’s house, in accordance with her commemoration. The younger lady noticed an aged man come out however attempt to reenter the house, telling Smith his spouse was nonetheless inside someplace.
Smith shortly took motion, an entered the constructing. Changing into bodily in poor health from the smoke, she retreated from the burning home, however reentered by crawling throughout the ground to keep away from the smoke and flames.
This time, she noticed her neighbor. By way of the whipping flames, Smith dragged the aged lady out onto the entrance patio.
Her husband rushed in then, serving to Smith transfer his unconscious spouse to the entrance yard. The pair had been “overwhelmed by smoke, flames, and exhaustion” however made it throughout the muddy, icy terrain.
Responders helped Smith and the husband with the lady and the couple was taken to a Boston hospital. Attributable to Smith’s heroic actions, each survived their accidents.
Massachusetts Senator Ryan Fattman, State Consultant Todd Smola and Wales Police Chief Thomas Ford nominated Smith for the Sweeney Award, and she or he was chosen by the Sweeney Award Choice Committee.
“Jillian Smith acted without hesitation in the face of extreme danger, saving lives at great personal risk,” Driscoll mentioned. “This award is a testament to her extraordinary actions, and a reminder of the bravery demonstrated by Madeline Sweeney and countless others during the tragic events of 9/11.”
This award honor the “enduring legacy of courage and compassion that has emerged from 9/11, ” mentioned Public Security and Safety Secretary Terrence Reidy.
“On this 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we reaffirm our promise never to forget those we lost and to remember the heroism and resiliency that lifted a nation in mourning,” Reidy mentioned.
