Haverhill Boy, 11, Commended for Warning of Potential Train Disaster

A quick-thinking 11-year-old Hunking School student was commended by Haverhill’s City Council Tuesday for warning MBTA authorities of a potential train disaster last fall.

Jesse DiChiara was applauded by Ken Quimby, Council President John A. Michitson and Vice President Melinda E. Barrett at this week’s meeting, receiving an official commendation for his good deed in the wake of Oct. 30’s storm. Train enthusiast DiChiara noticed a fallen tree limb on the Bradford station tracks and rode his bike home to tell his grandfather. The pair then returned to the station to notify a MBTA employee.

DiChiara was humble when receiving praise from Barrett.

“I hope anyone would have done that and told the people to stop the train,” the boy said.

Michitson presented DiChiara with a citation from the city. “Job well done and thank you very much,” Michitson said, further lauding the boy for garnering positive press for the city.