Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey — A 6-year-old boy is being celebrated for his courage and quick thinking after his grandmother was struck by an SUV while he was with her at home. Instead of panicking, Finn Mackenzie checked on her, alerted his grandfather and ran to a neighbor’s house to call for an ambulance.
Months after the July 30 incident, officials in Egg Harbor Township recognized Finn for his actions, praising the first-grader for showing remarkable responsibility during a frightening situation.
The young boy received a special proclamation during an October 7 township meeting, where local officials gathered to honor his response to the accident.
SUV Strikes Grandmother While Boy Is Riding His Bike
The incident happened on July 30 at the home of Finn’s grandmother, Rebecca McCluskey, in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
McCluskey was helping her grandson ride his bike when surveillance footage captured an SUV passing by and striking her, knocking her to the ground.
In an interview published October 14, McCluskey recalled how Finn immediately came to her side.
“He was right there. He came running down to me holding my hand,” she told the news station.
The moment left the family facing an unexpected emergency, but Finn quickly took action to help his injured grandmother.
What Finn Did After the Accident
After checking on McCluskey, Finn told his grandfather what had happened. He then ran to a neighbor’s house to call for an ambulance.
The decision to seek help was especially significant given his age. At just six years old, Finn understood that emergency responders could help his grandmother and took steps to get assistance.
“I knew 911 could help,” Finn told CBS News Philadelphia.
After seeking help, the young boy returned to his grandmother and stayed by her side while waiting for first responders to arrive.
McCluskey later remembered embracing her grandson after he remained with her during the frightening ordeal.
His actions became the reason local officials decided to recognize him publicly for his courage, compassion and presence of mind.
Egg Harbor Township Honors the Young Boy
During an October 7 meeting, Egg Harbor Township officials took time to recognize Finn for what they described as an extraordinary act of courage.
Mayor Laura Pfrommer introduced the recognition by telling those attending the meeting that the township wanted to honor someone who had done something remarkable.
“And tonight, it’s a six-year-old boy, Mr. Finn Mackenzie,” Pfrommer said.
The mayor then read a proclamation recognizing Finn’s actions. She described the recognition as being for his “selfless service and courage and compassion.”
The proclamation highlighted the importance of recognizing people who help others, regardless of their age.
“Whereas acts of courage and compassion and selfless service deserve to be recognized regardless of age,” Pfrommer read.
As the ceremony continued, officials brought Finn to the front of the room, where he stood alongside the chief of police.
Officials Praise His Courage and Responsibility
The proclamation described McCluskey’s experience as a serious motor vehicle collision and praised Finn for demonstrating maturity beyond his years.
According to Pfrommer, the young boy showed extraordinary maturity, presence of mind and concern for another person’s safety and well-being.
The recognition specifically highlighted his “courage under pressure, compassion in a time of crisis, and a level of responsibility well beyond his years.”
Finn received a standing ovation from the elected officials in attendance.
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The public recognition celebrated not only his decision to call for help but also his ability to respond to an emergency despite being so young.
Grandma Calls Him Her ‘Best Bud’
McCluskey was present for the ceremony and spoke about the close relationship she shares with her grandson.
“He’s my best bud,” she told CBS News Philadelphia. “From the time I first saw him, we just connected. I’m the grandmother that likes to play.”
Her comments offered a glimpse into the bond behind the emotional story. The same grandmother who spent time helping Finn ride his bike was the person he rushed to help when an unexpected emergency occurred.
The driver involved in the incident was cited for careless driving. Authorities have not publicly identified the driver in the information provided.
Finn’s recognition serves as a reminder that knowing how to seek help during an emergency can make a meaningful difference, even when the person responding is very young.
What do you think about Finn’s brave response to his grandmother’s accident? Share your thoughts in the comments, and pass this story along to celebrate the young boy’s courage and compassion.
