MCDONOUGH — On July 9, Aaron Miller was swimming in Lake Jackson when he had a seizure and became unresponsive in the water.

That’s when Brantley Abbott, 12, swam over to him, turned him on his back and kept his head above water to prevent him from drowning. As she was maintaining his safety, she swam to the shore and kept him above water until further help arrived.

The audience in the McDonough City Hall meeting chambers erupted in applause as Brantley Abbott was recognized. (Courtesy of City of McDonough)

Credit: City of McDonough

icon to expand image

Credit: City of McDonough

During its Monday, July 22 meeting, the McDonough City Council recognized the young hero with a proclamation and declared July 23, 2024 as Brantley M. Abbott Day.

“Brantley’s heroism serves as an inspiration to the entire community, exemplifying the highest standards of civic responsibility and personal courage and highlighting the importance of water safety,” the proclamation read in part. “The city of McDonough is deeply grateful for Brantley M. Abbott’s life-saving actions and proud to recognize her as an exemplary citizen and hero within our community.”

The McDonough police and fire departments also recognized Abbott.

“From the McDonough Police Department, we just thank you for your courage to save this young man,” Maj. Paul Honcharik said. “It takes a lot to do that. You’re definitely a public servant at heart — keep that throughout your life.”

McDonough Fire Department Battalion Chief Barry Jenkins presents Brantley Abbott with a Valor Award. (Courtesy of City of McDonough)

Credit: City of McDonough

icon to expand image

Credit: City of McDonough

McDonough Fire Department Battalion Chief Barry Jenkins presented her with a Valor Award, given to a firefighter who does a heroic deed above and beyond the call of duty.

“For you to have the situational awareness and the bravery do to what you did... that was definitely deserving of a Valor Award,” Jenkins said.


ajc.com

Credit: Henry Herald

icon to expand image

Credit: Henry Herald

MEET OUR PARTNER

Today’s story comes from our partner the Henry Herald. The Henry Herald provides daily coverage of community news, events, and sports in Henry County at HenryHerald.com.

If you have any feedback or questions about our partnerships, you can contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams via email at nicole.williams@ajc.com.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Joe Rich had moved to 3935 Paces Manor 2.5 year ago. on Tuesday, Sept. 22,2009, he was trapped at his house with no way out - but a boat. He has been ferrying various things back and forth and is surprised he still has power. Vinings residents were dealing with a major flooding issue Tuesday, as the Chattahoochee River made its way along the banks near Paces Ferry Road.  Many residents with upscale homes were hit hard, some for the second time since an earlier post millennia flooding episode. Since early Monday, seven lives have been taken and several other people remain missing. The record-setting rains also have closed schools and roads and have left people stranded in their homes. The river's level near Vinings was at 27.36 feet before daybreak Tuesday after cresting at 28.1 feet overnight. Flood stage is 14 feet, and anything above 20 feet is considered "major" flooding. (Photo: John Spink, jspink@ajc.com)

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman