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Grafton – State Representative David K. Muradian Jr. (R-Grafton) has been named to the selection committee for the 2019 Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. The Grafton legislator was nominated to serve on the committee by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. (R-North Reading).
“The Madeline Amy Sweeney Award is named after one of the civilian heroes of 9/11 whose actions helped save so many other people from harm,” Jones said in announcing the appointment. “I am confident David will do an outstanding job to help the committee identify a recipient who is truly worthy of this year’s award.”
Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant who lived in Acton with her husband Michael and their two small children. On September 11, 2001, she was working on American Airlines Flight 11, the first airplane to be hijacked by terrorists and flown into the World Trade Center.
Before the plane hit the tower, Sweeney was able to relay critical information about the five hijackers to the airline’s ground services crew. The award was created to honor her act of heroism and to recognize the heroism of so many of the victims on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I am honored to have been appointed to this special committee by Representative Jones,” Muradian said. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to many selfless and brave individuals. I look forward to working with the committee on choosing a sole recipient deserving of this honorary award.”
Presented annually since 2002, the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, bravery and heroism, without regard for their own personal safety, while attempting to save the life of another. This year’s award will recognize acts of bravery performed from June 16, 2018-June 15, 2019, and will be presented at a State House ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019.
To be considered for the award, the nomination form must include proof of the candidate’s Massachusetts residency; names of two or more witnesses or individuals having personal knowledge of the facts surrounding the candidate’s extraordinary endeavor; and a detailed account of any public recognition the candidate has received for his or her endeavor (including recognition or awards from any local, civic, religious, or other organizations as well as any press coverage of the event).
Applications for the 2019 award are available at www.mass.gov/eopss/crime-prev-personal-sfty/masweeney-award-for-civilian-bravery.html. Applications are due by Friday, July 19, and should be mailed to Executive Office of Public Safety, Attn: Madeline Amy Sweeney Award, One Ashburton Place – Room 2133, Boston, MA 02108, or e-mailed to [email protected].
