Braintree Teen Honored For Saving Younger Sister

BRAINTREE, MA — A Braintree teen was honored by the mayor and police chief after he saved his younger sister during a medical emergency at home.

Police Chief Mark Dubois and Mayor Charles Kokoros on Tuesday honored Jack McDonough, 14, with a ceremony recognizing his courage and fast action.

Around 9:45 a.m., Dec. 16, emergency officials were called to McDonough's home after McDonough heard his 9-year-old sister fall and experience a medical episode.

Dubois said McDonough cared for his sister and calmly called 911. McDonough explained what he was observing and gave EMTs and paramedics essential information. Braintree officers noticed McDonough was composed and was able to calmly answer questions and help first responders throughout the situation.

Dubois said Jack’s sister is receiving the necessary care since the incident and is doing well.

When Honoring McDonough, Dubois noted how well McDonough responded during an emergency that he wasn't prepared for.

"What's impressive is that you kept your demeanor, you relayed all of the important facts that were helpful for the people that were responding, you stayed calm, and you assisted your sister," Dubois told McDonough at the ceremony. "When you're dealing with a family member, it's that much more stressful which makes how you handled the situation even more impressive from our point of view."

McDonough was presented with the Distinguished Service Commendation from the Braintree Police Department which acknowledged that: "Jack McDonough has been recognized for his exceptional courage and performance while assisting in a medical emergency on Dec. 16, 2020."

Kokoros also presented McDonough with a commendation from the Town of Braintree, which read in part: "Be it known that the Town of Braintree commends you on your calm demeanor and keen awareness during an emergency situation."

"To have that calmness and to be able to handle the situation shows leadership and says a lot about you as a person," Kokoros said. "We want to thank you, and we're glad that you were able to help your sister and that everybody was alright."

McDonough was also presented with a Braintree Police coffee mug and challenge coin, as well as a pin from the Town of Braintree.