WALES, Mass. (WWLP) - A Hampden County resident has been honored with the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for civilian bravery for her heroic and life-saving actions back in December. According to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, 26-year-old Jillian Smith of Wales received the 2024 Sweeney Award on Wednesday for rescuing an elderly couple from a house fire on December 18, 2023. Two injured in Wales house fire 22News covered the house fire in the video below. The Wales Fire Department said that the elderly couple was able to escape from the fire and were taken to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries.  Elderly couple taken to hospital after house fire in Wales The call for the fire came in at approximately 8:00 a.m. on 88 Stafford Holland Road. Before emergency crews arrived, Smith noticed the fire and rushed to help her elderly neighbors. As Smith arrived, she saw an elderly man coming out of the burning house and attempted to go back in. The man's wife was still inside, so Smith entered the burning home to rescue her. Crawling across the floor to avoid the smoke and the flames inside the home, Smith found the woman unconscious on the floor and dragged her out of the house and onto the front patio. The elderly couple was taken to a Boston hospital to recover. Smith was also treated for smoke inhalation.  9/11 Victim Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Madeline Sweeney from Acton, Massachusetts was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years. She was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first aircraft hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. During the final moments of the flight, Sweeney relayed critical information about the hijackers during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sweeney leaves behind her husband Michael and her two children. Michael Sweeney and his children Anna, 6, and Jack, 4, pose in front of a tree planted in honor and in memory of Madeline Amy Sweeney, their wife and mother, who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The tree was planted at, Conant Elementary School, Anna's elementary school.(Photo by Essdras M Suarez/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) In recognition of Madeline Sweeney, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety created the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award to honor residents who demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, to save the life of another in imminent danger. Each year the Commonwealth selects a resident through nomination submissions. Smith was nominated for this year's Sweeney Award by Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola, and Wales Police Chief Thomas Ford. Smith was selected by the Sweeney Award Selection Committee. Easthampton man nationally honored for rescuing disabled man trapped in fire “On this solemn day of national remembrance, we honor those lost in the September 11 terror attacks while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the bravery, compassion, and patriotism shown by those confronted with the unimaginable events of that tragic day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Sweeney Award recipients exemplify the very best of humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there are always individuals, like Jillian Smith, who rise to the occasion, bravely facing adversity and embracing the call to help others.” “Today, we honor a true hero who exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and bravery. Jillian Smith acted without hesitation in the face of extreme danger, saving lives at great personal risk. This award is a testament to her extraordinary actions, and a reminder of the bravery demonstrated by Madeline Sweeney and countless others during the tragic events of 9/11,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we not only remember the tragic events of the 9/11 terror attacks but also honor the enduring legacy of courage and compassion that has emerged from it. Jillian Smith joins a distinguished group of previous Sweeney Award recipients who have shown exceptional courage in the service of others, embodying the spirit of bravery that continues to inspire the nation,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “On this 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we reaffirm our promise never to forget those we lost and to remember the heroism and resiliency that lifted a nation in mourning.” 22News State House Reporter Olivia Ray is attending the ceremony in Boston on Wednesday and will have a live update on-air starting at 5 p.m. Local News Headlines Protecting personal information on your cell phone West Springfield remembers local 9/11 victims during ceremony Springfield Police Department remembers Detective Francis Sears Springfield holding annual September 11th ceremony at Riverfront Park WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.