BOSTON - At the Massachusetts State House, an award named in honor of a woman who died on 9/11 has been given to a woman credited with saving her neighbors from a fire. 

Jillian Smith was home with her family and baby when a fire broke out at her neighbor’s house. She ran over to help without a second thought. It’s because of this she received the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award. 

Madeline Amy Sweeney was a flight attendant on American Airlines 11 that was hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center. She was able to relay important information to crews on the ground before the crash which helped identify the hijackers. She has been called a hero for her actions. 

“The Madeline Amy Sweeney Award is how we recognize the transformative, positive impact of these stories. How we keep this knowledge alive and how we pass it on,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “Each fall, we rededicate ourselves to our highest ideals by honoring the courage of those who were lost and celebrating the heroic acts of our neighbors.”

Smith received the award Wednesday at the state house after she ran into her neighbor’s home on fire and pulled out her elderly neighbor. The woman was on the ground and Smith was able to pull her outside to safety, 

“I was just my first instinct,” said Smith. “I just, I went for it. I knew that my child was waiting for me at home, and that was one of the scariest things being any mom. And I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't try.

Smith had a young daughter at home napping, knowing full well how dangerous it was to help, she had to go in. 

“Help thy neighbor, I guess. I mean, do you always want a helping hand or just a kindhearted person down the road to help you in your time of need? And I would just hope someone, someone would help if they had to.”

Smith says if she had the choice to do it over, she would take the same risk and go back in. 

Thankfully her elderly neighbors are doing just fine and come to visit often.