New Jersey boy, 6, ran to a neighbour to call 911 after an SUV hit his grandmother; months later, police and local officials honoured him
A bike ride through a neighbourhood in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, took an unexpected turn on July 30, when a six-year-old boy watched his grandmother get struck by an SUV. With her lying on the ground in pain, Finn Mackenzie had to work out what to do next. He ran to his grandfather and then sought help from a next-door neighbour, asking her to call emergency services. He stayed close to his grandmother while they waited for help to arrive. Months later, Finn’s actions brought him recognition from local officials, who praised the young boy for remaining composed and knowing where to turn during an emergency.
New Jersey boy’s bike ride with grandmother takes a sudden turn after SUV collision
According to CBS Philadelphia, Finn and his grandmother, Becky McCluskey, had been spending time together outdoors when the incident occurred. The two share a close bond and often enjoy activities together, including bike rides and sleepovers. That afternoon, they had returned to McCluskey’s driveway and were deciding whether to continue cycling or head inside for a swim.
The conversation was interrupted when a driver struck McCluskey with an SUV, knocking her to the ground. Finn was nearby when it happened and rushed over to her. McCluskey later recalled how her grandson came to her side and held her hand as she lay there.
Although she did not suffer any broken bones, the collision left her in pain. The situation required help, and Finn, despite being only six, began looking for someone who could provide it.
How a New Jersey boy used his 911 training after an SUV hit his grandmother
After reaching his grandmother, Finn went to find his grandfather. He also approached the neighbour next door and asked her to call 911. Once the call for assistance had been made, he returned to McCluskey and remained with her until help arrived.
Finn later explained that he understood emergency services could help in that situation. His actions followed lessons his mother, Kate Mackenzie, had begun teaching him the previous spring. She had shown him how to contact 911 and discussed what he should do if an emergency occurred.
Those conversations had taken place well before the collision, and there had been no particular reason to expect Finn would need to use what he had learnt so soon. When the situation arose, however, he was able to seek help rather than trying to handle it alone.
Six-year-old Finn receives recognition for helping his grandmother
Finn was recognised by Egg Harbor Township officials in October, with the mayor, township committee and police chief acknowledging his response to the incident. The recognition highlighted his decision to seek assistance and stay with his grandmother while she waited for emergency help.
Police Chief Fred Spano said, "Just very calm under pressure, I mean he did something that probably most 6-year-olds wouldn't have the awareness and level of responsibility to do.” For McCluskey, the incident was frightening, but the time she spends with her grandson continues to be a source of comfort as she recovers. She described their relationship as close, recalling how they had connected from the first time they met.
The driver involved in the collision was cited for careless driving, according to police. McCluskey continues to experience some pain, but the incident has not changed the affection she has for Finn or the place he holds in her life.
New Jersey boy’s bike ride with grandmother takes a sudden turn after SUV collision
According to CBS Philadelphia, Finn and his grandmother, Becky McCluskey, had been spending time together outdoors when the incident occurred. The two share a close bond and often enjoy activities together, including bike rides and sleepovers. That afternoon, they had returned to McCluskey’s driveway and were deciding whether to continue cycling or head inside for a swim.
The conversation was interrupted when a driver struck McCluskey with an SUV, knocking her to the ground. Finn was nearby when it happened and rushed over to her. McCluskey later recalled how her grandson came to her side and held her hand as she lay there.
Although she did not suffer any broken bones, the collision left her in pain. The situation required help, and Finn, despite being only six, began looking for someone who could provide it.
How a New Jersey boy used his 911 training after an SUV hit his grandmother
After reaching his grandmother, Finn went to find his grandfather. He also approached the neighbour next door and asked her to call 911. Once the call for assistance had been made, he returned to McCluskey and remained with her until help arrived.
Finn later explained that he understood emergency services could help in that situation. His actions followed lessons his mother, Kate Mackenzie, had begun teaching him the previous spring. She had shown him how to contact 911 and discussed what he should do if an emergency occurred.
Those conversations had taken place well before the collision, and there had been no particular reason to expect Finn would need to use what he had learnt so soon. When the situation arose, however, he was able to seek help rather than trying to handle it alone.
Six-year-old Finn receives recognition for helping his grandmother
Finn was recognised by Egg Harbor Township officials in October, with the mayor, township committee and police chief acknowledging his response to the incident. The recognition highlighted his decision to seek assistance and stay with his grandmother while she waited for emergency help.
Police Chief Fred Spano said, "Just very calm under pressure, I mean he did something that probably most 6-year-olds wouldn't have the awareness and level of responsibility to do.” For McCluskey, the incident was frightening, but the time she spends with her grandson continues to be a source of comfort as she recovers. She described their relationship as close, recalling how they had connected from the first time they met.
The driver involved in the collision was cited for careless driving, according to police. McCluskey continues to experience some pain, but the incident has not changed the affection she has for Finn or the place he holds in her life.
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