EASTHAMPTON — An Easthampton man who entered a house fire and carried a wheelchair-bound neighbor to safety in May was feted by state and city officials in a ceremony commemorating the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack at the Fire Station on Sunday.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presented Paul Galotti, 38, with the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. The annual award honors a civilian who demonstrates exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, to save the life of another in actual, imminent danger.
On May 15, Galotti was watching television when his wife alerted him to smoke and sounds coming from a neighbor’s home at 97-99 East St. Galotti ran to his neighbor’s home, and after hearing a voice on the lower level, he entered the burning building using his T-shirt as a mask. He located a wheelchair-bound man who was trapped inside by the flames, lifted the man from his wheelchair, and carried him to safety outside.
Given the severity of the situation, Easthampton fire officials determined that Galotti’s quick action saved the man’s life. The Medal of Honor commendation is something that fire departments can choose to issue, but Fire Chief Christopher Norris said in July that to his knowledge it has never been issued in Easthampton. The presentation was also a first for Norris, who said Galotti qualified for the honor by putting his life above someone else’s under those extreme conditions.
In July, Galotti was recognized with the Easthampton Fire Department Medal of Honor for his actions that day.
Known as “Amy,” Ms. Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years. She lived in Acton with her husband and their two small children. On Sept. 11, 2001, she was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first aircraft hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the flight’s final minutes, Sweeney contacted the airline’s ground services crew to convey critical information about the hijackers and their actions on the plane that morning. It is for her heroism and all victims of Sept. 11, 2001, that this award was created.
“Presenting the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney award to a courageous resident of the Commonwealth each year has been a tremendous honor, and it is a privilege to today recognize Mr. Paul Galotti for his immeasurable heroism,” Polito said.
Beyond his heroism during the fire itself, Galotti recognized in the hours that followed the material needs of his neighbors who were displaced from their home. He established an online fundraising campaign to provide necessities and assistance for his neighbors.
Galotti was nominated for the award by state Sen. John Velis and Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris. He was selected by the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery Selection Committee, which is Polito chairs.