A peaceful summer evening on the Annisquam River quickly turned into a dramatic rescue for Gloucester residents Christian Dagley and Keri Ann Perry.
While boating near the river’s edge, the pair noticed a small child floating motionless in the water. Without hesitation, Christian dove in, battling the current to pull the child to safety. As off-duty nurse Keri began performing CPR, Christian returned to the water — two more times — to save additional children who were caught in the rough current.
After notifying the Coast Guard, they rushed toward a nearby yacht club, where first responders met them and transported the children to safety.
Because of their swift action and composure under pressure, all three children survived and made remarkable recoveries.
Both Dagley and Perry were honored as “Heroes Among Us” during the Boston Celtics’ home game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Since its establishment in 1997 by the Boston Celtics, the “Heroes Among Us” program has recognized outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities. The award is presented at every Celtics home game and pays tribute to the heroic achievements of these outstanding citizens.