(Credit: Franconia Township Police)
Meadow McNamara recognized by police for quick-thinking that helped save her 5-year-old sister suffering from croup
A Franconia Township 9-year-old has been commended by the Chief of Police for her quick actions and displaying “maturity beyond her years” that helped save her younger sister who was in respiratory distress from croup.
On May 20, the Franconia Township Police Department honored Meadow McNamara, who acted quickly to help her younger sister during an early morning emergency back in March.
On March 31, at 3:40 a.m., police and EMS were called to the McNamara home after Meadow alerted her parents that her five-year-old sister, Summer, was struggling to breathe, police said.
Summer had been suffering from a respiratory infection and was sick for several days. The family was unaware that a monitoring system in Summer’s room had stopped working, police said.
Meadow was awakened by the sounds of her little sister coughing and gasping for air. Meadow immediately alerted her parents who then began to aid Summer and call 911, according to police.
Medics from VMSC Emergency Medical Services assessed Summer’s condition, then transported her to Grand View Hospital for treatment.
Summer has since made a full recovery, police said.
Franconia Township Police Corporal Edward Hall, who was on the scene, was so impressed with Meadow’s selfless actions, that he recommended she be recognized.
Chief Michael Martin reviewed the case and completely agreed with Hall, according to police.
“Many nine[1]year-olds would have just rolled over and tried to go back to sleep, but Meadow knew something was different and took potentially life-saving action. Because of her quick[1]thinking and genuine concern for the well-being of her little sister, critical time was not lost, which is truly admirable,” Martin said. “Our entire police department is very proud to recognize Meadow.”
Meadow was also presented with a gift card to Downtown Scoop Ice Cream Shop from the officers and staff of the Franconia Township Police Department.
In his commendation, Martin wrote that Meadow, worried for her sister, alerted their parents, and they all went to Summer’s room and found her distressed.
“Because of Meadow McNamara’s quick-thinking and genuine concern for the well-being of her younger sister, critical time was not lost, and potentially life-saving measures were taken. Most importantly, because of Meadow, Summer received the help she needed and has made a full recovery. Be it known that on this day, May 20, 2025, I formally congratulate and commend Meadow McNamara for her quick and unselfish action, which displayed maturity beyond her years,” Martin wrote.
