One rainy morning in December 2023, Jillian Smith from Wales was putting her baby down for a nap when she saw smoke billowing out of her neighbor’s home.
BOSTON (WWLP) – One rainy morning in December 2023, Jillian Smith from Wales was putting her baby down for a nap when she saw smoke billowing out of her neighbor’s home.
In a split-second decision, Smith rushed to their aid, saving her elderly neighbor who was trapped inside.
In recognition of her actions, Smith was awarded the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for civilian bravery at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the State House in Boston. This award is named in honor of the Massachusetts flight attendant who relayed critical information about the 9/11 attacks moments before her plane was flown into the World Trade Center.
It is presented to a Massachusetts resident who demonstrates exceptional bravery and saves a life, without regard for personal safety.
Smith says running into the burning house to save her neighbor was simply the right thing to do. “I’m just happy my neighbors are alive and happy and well…and I just couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try,” Smith told reporters after the ceremony.
Smith said the award is a great honor, and she hopes anyone else in her situation would do the same thing. “You always want a helping hand or just a kind-hearted person down the road to help you in your time of need,” said Smith. “And I would just hope that someone would help if they had to.”
Both the neighbor Smith saved and her husband–who also had severe burns–survived the fire and have become friends with Smith and her family. Smith was nominated for the honor by State Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola, and Wales Police Chief Tom Ford.
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