BOSTON — During today’s 9/11 commemoration, the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was officially awarded to a young woman who rescued her elderly neighbors from a house fire in Wales, Massachusetts last year.

“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 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, was presented with the annual award by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the State House on Wednesday following the state’s 9/11 commemoration.

The Sweeney Award is named after the Acton-native flight attendant who heroically called down to report crucial information about the hijackers and their actions. Sweeney was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which was the plane hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On the 23rd anniversary of the tragic flight, her award honors Smith and her life-saving bravery.

On Dec. 18, 2023, at about 8 a.m., Smith saw and ran to a fire at her neighbor’s home, according to her commemoration. The young woman saw an elderly man come out but try to reenter the home, telling Smith his wife was still inside somewhere.

Smith quickly took action, an entered the building. Becoming physically ill from the smoke, she retreated from the burning house, but reentered by crawling across the floor to avoid the smoke and flames.

This time, she spotted her neighbor. Through the whipping flames, Smith dragged the elderly woman out onto the front patio.

Her husband rushed in then, helping Smith move his unconscious wife to the front yard. The pair were “overwhelmed by smoke, flames, and exhaustion” but made it across the muddy, icy terrain.

Responders helped Smith and the husband with the woman and the couple was taken to a Boston hospital. Due to Smith’s heroic actions, both survived their injuries.

Massachusetts Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola and Wales Police Chief Thomas Ford nominated Smith for the Sweeney Award, and she was selected by the Sweeney Award Selection Committee.

“Jillian Smith acted without hesitation in the face of extreme danger, saving lives at great personal risk,” Driscoll said. “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, ” 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,” Reidy said.

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