Tyngsboro Girl Honored for Heroic Rescue of Neighbor Boy

In a remarkable display of courage, 11-year-old Juliana Fischer saved the life of her 5-year-old neighbor, Jack Bissias, in August. Her quick thinking and decisive actions earned her the Young Hero Award from the Tyngsboro Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal.

On the day of the incident, Juliana was at home when she heard Jack’s desperate cries from the neighboring yard. Without hesitation, she dialed 911 and rushed to assist. At that moment, Jack’s mother, Kathleen Freeman, was tending to her garden near Lake Mascuppic. She recounted hearing a series of noises followed by a scream that alarmed her.

Freeman soon discovered that Jack had fallen into a well on their property, clinging to a pipe for safety. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she attempted to call for help but felt compelled to return to Jack, who was becoming increasingly frightened. As Juliana arrived, she spotted a ladder and sprang into action, working alongside Freeman to guide Jack to safety.

A Lifesaving Team Effort

Using the ladder, Juliana and Kathleen instructed Jack on how to climb out of the well, all the while keeping him calm. “I just picked him up and hugged him,” Freeman recalled, relieved that her son was safe. Later, she learned that Jack had managed to stand on a rock within the well, which prevented him from falling into deeper water.

Juliana’s heroic actions have strengthened the bond between the two families. Freeman noted that despite their age difference, Juliana has always been Jack’s best friend. Juliana, now a sixth-grade student at Tyngsboro Middle School, had recently completed the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program in October 2023, which teaches fire safety and emergency response to children.

Community Recognition

During the award presentation ceremony, Select Board member Eric Eldridge emphasized the significance of Juliana’s actions, stating, “This is a very big deal.” State Representative Colleen Garry (D-Dracut/Tyngsboro) praised Juliana’s poise under pressure, saying, “I’ve been a state rep here now for 31 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young woman so poised and so composed in an emergency.”

As the community celebrated Juliana’s bravery, Jack was enjoying a day at Storyland in New Hampshire, a fitting reward for a young boy who experienced such a harrowing ordeal. His adventure underscores the profound impact of Juliana’s quick response, which not only saved a life but also brought the community closer together.