Bravery award goes to New Bedford man who rescued burning car victims

BOSTON — Early in the morning Feb. 6 while driving home from work in Everett, New Bedford resident Ross Dugan, 37, stopped to rescue four people from a burning vehicle on Rt. 24.

One vehicle in the four-car crash near Exit 16A was in flames, with four people inside unable to break the windows.

“I just ran out,” Dugan told The Standard-Times Tuesday, recalling the scene. “I guess adrenaline just took over. I didn’t really think to not go over there.”

His bravery and selflessness is the reason he was presented with the 2019 Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery at the State House Wednesday morning, a news release from Sen. Mark Montigny's office said.

Dugan, a power lineman, said on that day in February, a couple people in the car were trying to punch and kick the windows. Dugan noticed a window that was open a couple of inches. He started shaking and pulling the window until it cracked and broke, making way for him to pull three people out of the car.

The last person was the hardest to get out of the car because the fire grew, Dugan said. He recalled a man who sprayed a fire extinguisher at the scene, which helped. Dugan said he was able to rescue the last person who was on fire.

“I couldn’t even see, I couldn’t even breathe,” he said.

“It all happened so fast,” Dugan said, “I’m just happy that everybody ended up living.”

As a result of his actions, Dugan got second degree burns on his face and his hand, he said.

“I’m just really honored to receive it,” Dugan said of the award, noting it was really humbling and a bit intimidating.

In a news release from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Gov. Charlie Baker said Dugan’s “quick and selfless actions helped others escape from an incredibly dangerous situation.”

“Our Commonwealth is fortunate to be the home of brave people like Ross, who embodies the spirit of the actions taken by Madeline Amy Sweeney on September 11, 2001.”

The award is named after Amy Sweeney of Acton Massachusetts, an American Airlines flight attendant on Flight 11, the first airplane hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center on September 11, a news release said.

Sweeney contacted the airline’s ground services to provide critical information about the hijackers.

“Mr. Dugan’s selfless actions that day saved lives when every second counted,” said Sec. of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “That remarkable bravery even at grave personal risk is the hallmark of the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award, one of the greatest honors the Commonwealth can bestow.”

The award, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, said in a news release, “honors the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances...It’s a privilege for us to recognize that her legacy lives on through the heroes among us like Ross Dugan.”

Those who receive the award “must demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, in an effort to save the life or lives of another in imminent danger,” according to the news release from Montigny’s office.

Montigny, a New Bedford Democrat, nominated Dugan for the award and honored Dugan with an official Senate citation.

“I am completely honored to recognize Ross for his heroic actions,” Montigny said in a news release. “His bravery and personal sacrifice saved lives and prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy for those passengers and their families. Ross’ humility is similarly inspiring and serves as a beacon we should all inspire to achieve.”

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