Tyngsboro Girl Receives Young Hero Award for Life-Saving Actions

In a remarkable display of courage, 11-year-old Juliana Fischer from Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, recently received recognition for her quick-thinking actions that saved the life of her 5-year-old neighbor, Jack Bissias. This incident unfolded in August when Juliana heard Jack’s cries for help and swiftly intervened, leading to her receiving the prestigious Young Hero Award from the Tyngsboro Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal.

The event began when Jack, playing in his yard near Lake Mascuppic, accidentally fell into a well on his mother Kathleen Freeman‘s property. Freeman was tending to her garden when she heard unsettling noises, including a scream that prompted her to search for her son. Upon discovering Jack clinging to a pipe inside the well, she attempted to call for help. However, Jack’s fear escalated, pushing Freeman to return to him.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Juliana dashed over as soon as she heard the commotion. Spotting a nearby ladder, she quickly retrieved it and, together with Freeman, instructed Jack on how to use it to climb to safety. “I just picked him up and hugged him,” Freeman recalled, expressing her relief after the rescue. Remarkably, Jack was standing on a rock inside the well, which mitigated the depth of his fall into the water.

The bond between the Fischer and Bissias families has deepened as a result of this incident. Despite their age difference, Juliana has always been a close friend to Jack. Freeman noted that Juliana has been a steadfast companion to Jack, reinforcing the close-knit nature of their neighborhood.

Juliana, a sixth-grade student at Tyngsboro Middle School, is also equipped with vital safety knowledge. In October 2023, she completed the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program, which has been empowering local children with fire and life-safety training since its establishment in 1995.

During the award ceremony, local officials praised Juliana’s bravery. Select Board member Eric Eldridge emphasized the significance of her actions, stating, “This is a very big deal.” Meanwhile, state Representative Colleen Garry commended her composure, remarking, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young woman so poised and so composed in an emergency” during her 31 years in office.

As a celebration of both the recognition and their friendship, Jack had a special outing planned to Storyland in New Hampshire on the day of the ceremony. This incident highlights the extraordinary capabilities of young individuals in critical situations, showcasing how awareness and prompt action can lead to life-saving outcomes.