Press Release  Hampden County Resident Awarded the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery as part of the Annual 9/11 Commemoration

Boston, MA — Today, on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll presented the prestigious Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to a courageous Massachusetts resident for her extraordinary rescue of an elderly couple from a house fire in the Town of Wales. This annual award, given in honor of Madeline Sweeney, a courageous flight attendant who relayed critical information about the hijackers during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, recognizes civilians who demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, to save the life of another in imminent danger.

In a ceremony held at the State House, 26-year-old Wales resident Jillian Smith received the 2024 Sweeney Award in recognition of her heroic and life-saving actions on the morning of December 18, 2023. Without hesitation, Ms. Smith rushed to the aid of her elderly neighbors, overcome by a fast-moving blaze that had engulfed their home. Ms. Smith, who came upon the scene before the arrival of emergency responders, selflessly and courageously entered the burning house, navigating flames and thick smoke to locate her trapped neighbor and pulling her to safety. 

“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,” said Governor 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.”

“Today, we honor a true hero who exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and bravery. Jillian Smith acted without hesitation in the face of extreme danger, saving lives at great personal risk. 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,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

On December 18, 2023, at approximately 8:00 am, Jillian Smith was alerted to a fire at her neighbor’s home. Jillian quickly ran to the scene and witnessed an elderly man emerge from the burning house and attempt to go back in. He told Jillian his wife was still inside, and he couldn’t find her. Without concern for her personal safety, Jillian entered the burning building. She was initially forced to retreat from the intense flames, getting physically ill from smoke inhalation. She reentered the burning home, crawling low across the floor to avoid the smoke and flames.

Through the flames, Jillian located the female victim lying unconscious on the floor. As flames intensified, Jillian dragged the victim from the burning home to the front patio. There, the husband assisted Jillian with moving the unconscious female away from the house. Challenging terrain and severe weather, including rain, mud, and ice, made progress slow and difficult. Jillian and the victim’s husband were overwhelmed by smoke, flames, and exhaustion. The responding officer from the Wales Police Department arrived on-scene and was able to assist with the rescue. The husband and wife were transported to a Boston hospital, where they were treated in the Intensive Care Unit and ultimately received a positive prognosis for recovery. Jillian Smith’s heroic actions were instrumental to the successful rescue from the home and undoubtedly saved the lives of her neighbors.

“Today, we not only remember the tragic events of the 9/11 terror attacks but also honor the enduring legacy of courage and compassion that has emerged from it. Jillian Smith joins a distinguished group of previous Sweeney Award recipients who have shown exceptional courage in the service of others, embodying the spirit of bravery that continues to inspire the nation,” said Public Safety and Security 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.”

Madeline Sweeney, affectionately known as “Amy,” was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years. She lived in Acton, Massachusetts, with her husband, Michael, and their two children. On September 11, 2001, Amy was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first aircraft hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the flight’s final minutes, Amy heroically contacted the airline’s ground services crew to convey crucial information about the hijackers and their actions on the plane that morning. The Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was created to honor her legacy of exceptional heroism and in memory of all those lost to the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Today’s Sweeney Award recipient was nominated by Massachusetts Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola and Wales Police Chief Thomas Ford.  Ms. Smith was selected by the Sweeney Award Selection Committee, which is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

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