A quick-thinking postal worker from Michigan has been hailed as a hero after courageously intervening to save a young girl who was being dragged across a lawn by a dog.
The dramatic incident happened when letter carrier Rungphet Bodnar from Flint, Michigan, was on her usual delivery route.
Noticing children screaming and running in panic at a bus stop, Bodnar quickly realized something was seriously wrong—a large dog was viciously dragging a little girl by her leg.
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Seeing a frantic woman trying unsuccessfully to free the child from the dog’s grip, with the dog yanking the girl, Bodnar immediately jumped into action.
Running from her postal vehicle, dog spray in hand, she sprayed the dog repeatedly until it loosened its hold, allowing both women to finally pull the girl away from danger.
The young girl sustained severe injuries in the terrifying ordeal, requiring multiple surgeries.
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But thanks to Bodnar’s swift and brave actions, she was able to recover fully and return to school just one month later.
Each year, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) highlights courageous acts performed by postal workers across America as part of its annual Heroes of the Year awards, which took place last week.
And while collecting her award at a ceremony in Washington D.C., Bodnar revealed a heartwarming detail. Bodnar said: “She [the girl’s mom] comes up to me and gives me hugs. Every time she sees the mail truck, she comes running. That’s the best.”
According to NALC President Brian L. Renfroe, acts of bravery such as Bodnar’s represent the highest standard of public service.
He said: “We are immensely proud of what the heroes being recognized did.
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“They represent our country’s best in public service. They truly are our heroes.”
The awards are determined by an independent panel of judges who review stories published in The Postal Record throughout the year.
The NALC said that, given their daily presence in communities, postal workers often become the first responders in times of emergency, frequently going beyond the call of duty to protect and help residents along their routes.
