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Chris Mazza: Teen Hero Saves Kid Brother From Pit Bull Attack

Heroes of Solano County
Vallejo, CA - Chris Mazza said he didn't think twice about jumping on a vicious pit bull that was attacking his 6-year-old brother, Antonio, at their home last month. The 16-year-old started punching the large, muscular dog while the animal's jaws were clenched on the young boy's face. "I was just trying to get the dog off my little brother and on to me," he said.

The dog, which had jumped into the family's yard on the 200 block of Arkansas Street, ended up ripping off part of the boy's ear before Mazza managed to get a hold on it and tie it to the fence. "I saw his ear laying on the ground and I immediately picked it up, washed it off and put it on ice to go with him to the hospital," Mazza said. Thanks to Mazza's quick thinking, the young boy wasn't more severely injured or killed.

For his courageous efforts, Mazza will be honored at an event in Vacaville for young men who have acted heroically in some way in their community. The ceremony is organized by the Heroes of Solano County men's group, about 20 local residents who encourage young men to stay on the right track and help their families and community, said Daniel Lamons, one of the group's members.

Along with Mazza, 29 other young men will be honored at the ceremony for various good deeds and heroic acts. The group began about two years ago and is comprised of chaplains, social workers, ministers and other successful Solano County men. Lamons said the group is setting up a website to connect young men with resources they need. To learn more about Heroes of Solano County, contact Lamons at 707-553-7349.

Related articles:
08/02/08: Hero Stories: Honoring Those Who Have Stopped a Deadly Pit Bull Attack

Labels: Acts of Heroism