Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery (2023)
Brian Clemmer, Dylan Clemmer, Bobby Wheeler and Jonathan Golas
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.
Four Berlin neighbors respond to blast that destroyed family home
On the evening of April 13, 2023, residents smelled propane in the back yard of a single-family home where two 100-pound liquid propane gas cylinders were located. Although the fuel company responded and relocated the tank to a location about 20 feet from the home, the tank continued to leak propane gas. The gas, which is heavier than air, traveled through the fieldstone foundation and basement walkout into the home’s basement.
Shortly before 3:30 am on the morning of April 14, the gas was ignited and caused an explosion that demolished the two-story structure completely, damaged three neighboring homes, and two vehicles.
In the aftermath of the explosion, knowing that two women lived in the collapsed home engulfed in flames, neighbors Brian Clemmer, Dylan Clemmer, Bobby Wheeler and Jonathan Golas put their own personal safety at risk to help.
Together with the assistance of Berlin Police Officer Molly Plante, the team searched the scene for any signs of life. Hearing cries for help from under the debris, they successfully rescued a woman, carrying her over live power lines to safety moments before a second explosion engulfed the site and claimed the life of the remaining occupant, a 79-year-old woman. The fire ultimately required personnel from 10 communities who responded to the scene.
“It is an honor on this important day of remembrance to join members of the Massachusetts 9/11 community and Amy Sweeney’s family to present this award to four individuals who took extraordinary action at tremendous personal risk,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Faced with the danger of an active fire in a hazardous structure, their courageous decision to search and rescue made the difference between life and death. May their example, together with those of the 9/11 community, inspire us to lead lives rooted in service of our neighbors.”
Next week: Wales mom runs into burning building twice to save elderly neighbors’ lives