Local resident Randal Florence was recognized Monday for his heroic actions during a brutal dog attack that occurred in Bartlesville last month.
Bartlesville Police Department awarded Florence the department’s Meritorious Award in recognition of his “exceptional courage and selflessness” after he placed himself between a neighbor and a pack of dogs during the attack, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 in the 500 block of E. 12th Street.
Florence told CityBeat he was off work that day and was in his shop when he heard a commotion outside. He assumed a dog fight was underway and went to investigate. Instead, what he saw was his neighbor on the ground, under attack by a pack of large dogs.
Florence didn’t hesitate to intervene.
“I went full red line at that moment,” he said. “All I knew is that I had to get the person away from those dogs. God protected me both mentally and physically, because the last thing I thought about was being hurt.”
Florence said he attempted to scare the dogs away, which had a limited affect.
“A couple of them listened and backed off, but some of them were still locked on to her,” he said.
Florence said he began kicking the dogs that had latched onto the woman in an attempt to stop the attack.
“That got them to back off long enough for her to get up off the ground,” he said.
Florence stayed between the woman and the dogs while using his phone to summon an ambulance for the badly injured woman. But as he was making the call, one of the dogs attacked him.
“He nipped me in the shin and grabbed a hold of me, and another one grabbed onto the other leg and twisted his body, pulling me down to the ground,” Florence said.
He said a third dog locked onto his left arm as he fell, leaving only his right arm, in which he has limited mobility, free to defend himself. He pulled a pocketknife from his pocket and struck one of the dogs in the shoulder region. But it had no effect, he said.
That’s when Florence saw his injured neighbor, who had returned to the scene and was swinging something at the dogs.
“I think she had gotten a broom or something and had come back to help me,” he said. “She came to my aid.”
Thanks to his neighbor, Florence was able to get up from the ground and usher her to the front of her house and summon help from a police officer who was near the scene. The dogs were ultimately apprehended by police and later euthanized.
Florence received surgical intervention for more than 25 bites and 100 stitches to his legs and left arm, from which he is slowly recovering. His neighbor, who was reportedly bitten more than 40 times, suffered extensive injuries requiring medical care.
Deputy Police Chief Andrew Ward told the City Council Monday that Florence’s “selfless and courageous actions that day undoubtedly prevented further harm and potentially saved a life. It is evident that his bravery and quick response played a critical role in mitigating what could have been a far more tragic outcome. His actions exemplify extraordinary valor and a commitment to the safety and well-being of others. Through his swift and brave actions, he willingly placed himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety and protection of others. His heroism exemplifies the highest standards of service and dedication, making him truly deserving of this distinguished accolade.”
But for Florence, heroics had nothing to do with the actions he took that day.
“Those dogs did this to me in about 40 seconds,” he said, pointing to his injuries. “I don’t know how long they had her down on the ground before I got there, but she must have been praying because it was like God said, ‘Calling Randal,’ and I just went. There was no time to think. We are all just an extension of his ministry.”