Know of a Massachusetts resident who has truly exhibited exceptional bravery, without regard for their own personal safety, in an effort to save the life or lives of another or others in actual imminent danger? We would like that person to be publicly recognized and appreciated, by becoming a nominee to receive the 2013 Madeline Amy Sweeney Award.

For 14 years, Amy Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant. She lived in Acton, Massachusetts with her husband, Michael Sweeney, and their two small children. On September 11, 2001, the day our nation was attacked by terrorists, Amy Sweeney was working on American Airlines Flight 11, the first airplane hijacked by the terrorists to devastate New York City by flying into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Before the plane hit the tower, Amy Sweeney had the courage and bravery to contact the airline’s ground services crew to convey critical information about the five hijackers and their fatal actions on the plane that morning. It is for Amy Sweeney’s heroism, and the heroism and brave spirit of so many of the victims on September 11, 2001, that this award has been created.

Please visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety, to complete an online nomination form, or to download a form you can complete and mail. Nominations must be received by July 31, 2013. The time frame for the acts of heroism to be considered for this year's award is July 15, 2012 through and including June 15, 2013.

The award recipient will be honored at a ceremony on September 11, 2013.