Proud that my nominee, Michael DeSousa, won the Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
Such a proud day as my nominee, Michael DeSousa from Fall River, was chosen for this special award. Thank you, Speaker Pro Temp Pat Haddad, for representing Speaker DeLeo, and thank you to Captain Joe Cabral and Director of Community Maintenance Ken Pacheco (Michael’s boss) for joining us. The Sweeney family and the other “Families” were taken aback by Michael’s heroics, his remarks, and his humility.
See the press release below:
FALL RIVER RESIDENT RECEIVES MADELINE AMY SWEENEY AWARD FOR HIS SELFLESS BRAVERY
13th Annual Award Presented in Memory of 9/11 Hero Who Risked Personal Safety to Save Others
BOSTON – Thursday, September 11, 2014 – The Patrick Administration’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security presented the thirteenth annual Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to Fall River resident Michael DeSousa during a State House ceremony this morning to recognize a local hero.
On July 6, 2013 while stopped at a traffic intersection Michael DeSousa noticed flames coming from a building’s windows. He abandoned his car and forced his way into the smoke filled building without regard for his own safety to warn residents of the impending danger. Once inside, he came across an elderly resident in distress and carried her to safety as he continued alerting all other tenants about the fire. Once he’d completed that task, as the fire spread quickly, he ran to a neighboring building notifying its tenants they too should evacuate.
“Several lives were saved because Michael DeSousa put the safety of others ahead of his own,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “That same selfless disregard for personal danger Madeline Amy Sweeney displayed thirteen years ago is what we honor today.”
“Michael DeSousa’s actions that July day were courageous,” said Public Safety Secretary Andrea Cabral. “I think they provide insight into the character of the person we honor today.”
The Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was created in the spirit of the selflessness, heroism and bravery shown by Sweeney and other victims aboard U.S airliners hijacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Sweeney, known as Amy, was a flight attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11 which hijackers crashed in the north tower of the World Trade Center. Before the crash, with extraordinary bravery, Sweeney conveyed critical information about the plane’s hijackers to ground services. The award that bears her name honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary bravery in an effort to save the life of another in danger.
Today’s award was presented at The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund’s Annual Commemoration Observation & Sweeney Awards Ceremony Presentation in the House Chamber at the State House. The award was presented to Michael DeSousa by Secretary Cabral, Major General Scott Rice, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and State Representative Carole Fiola.
“To risk one’s own health in an effort to help others in the midst of danger is a testament to the human spirit. Michael DeSousa is a paragon of that spirit. His resolve and determination to rescue individuals from a burning building is a commendable act of bravery, and his actions make him an exemplary resident of Fall River,” said Representative Fiola. “I am proud to have nominated Michael DeSousa for the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery and to honor him as we commemorate the thirteenth anniversary of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks.”