Young Chase gets Bravery Award

DCole Chase

City of Greater Geraldton Animal Control Team Leader, Darren Cole, and City Ranger, Archie Brown, nominated three-year-old local boy Chase, for a Bravery Award through the WA Ranger Association after the youngster suffered the trauma of a dog attack.

Chase and his mum, Kelly, were visiting a Geraldton property when the dog bit him on the face.

The injuries he received resulted in an emergency flight to Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth for emergency treatment and surgery.

Chase will require ongoing treatment for a number of years as a result of injuries received in the attack.

Mr Cole said from time to time the WA Rangers Association present a Bravery Award to children who have experienced the trauma of a dog attack.

“The purpose of this program is to help kids who have been attacked and injured by a dog,” he said.

“These awards help victims get through the trauma of the attack and aim to assist in promoting a quick and full recovery.”

Chase was pretty chuffed with his award, presented to him at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday (April 22), by Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine, and proudly showed off his medallion to the public gallery.

Chase’s grandfather, Mal, praised the City’s Rangers for their ongoing support throughout Chase’s ordeal.

“I’d really like to thank all the rangers who helped Chase,” he said, “they have been really wonderful.”