Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery (2019)

Ross Dugan

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in which at least 206 people with ties to Massachusetts perished. The first flights to be hijacked took off from Boston Logan International Airport. Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, displayed extraordinary cool under extreme pressure during the hijacking. The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund Blog is profiling the Sweeney Award recipients for the past quarter century every week leading up to the naming of the 2026 Honoree(s) at the 25th Anniversary Commemoration on September 11th.

MBTA lineman rescues four people from burning car in West Bridgewater

Early in the morning of Feb. 6, 2019, Ross Dugan, an MBTA lineman, was returning home from work in Everett when he saw a four-car crash occur on Route 24 near Exit 16A in West Bridgewater. One vehicle was in flames, with four people inside struggling to break windows and escape the vehicle.

“I just ran out,” Dugan, 38, told The Standard-Times. “I guess adrenaline just took over. I didn’t really think to not go over there.”

Dugan said a couple of people trapped in the car were trying to punch and kick the windows. Noticing a window cracked open a couple of windows, he started shaking and pulling the window until it cracked and broke, allowing him to pull three people out of the car.

The last person was the hardest to get out of the car because the fire grew. Dugan said another man sprayed a fire extinguisher, allowing him to rescue the last person who was on fire.

“I couldn’t even see, I couldn’t even breathe,” Dugan said. “It all happened so fast. I’m just happy that everybody ended up living.”

As a result of his heroic actions, Dugan suffered second degree burns on his face and his hand.

“Mr. Dugan’s selfless actions that day saved lives when every second counted,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “That remarkable bravery even at grave personal risk is the hallmark of the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award, one of the greatest honors the Commonwealth can bestow.”

“Ross Dugan’s quick and selfless actions helped others escape from an incredibly dangerous situation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Commonwealth is fortunate to be the home of brave people like Ross, who embodies the spirit of the actions taken by Madeline Amy Sweeney on September 11, 2001.”

"I'm incredibly humbled right now," Dugan said. "This is a great honor, and I thank you very much."

Next week: Man breaks window, pulls woman from submerged car in Grafton