'Our young hero': NSF suffers multiple bites while rescuing dog from traffic accident
He was out for a run when he saw the dog get hit by an oncoming vehicle.
A young National Serviceman (NSF) has been praised online after his father shared how he rescued an injured dog from an accident, sustaining multiple bites in the process.
His father, Jufri Salim, shared the incident on Facebook, drawing an outpouring of admiration from netizens for his son's quick thinking and compassion.
Mr Jufri said he had received a text message from his son, Ilham Jufri, who is currently serving his National Service in the Police Force's K-9 unit. The unit specialises in training dogs to detect narcotics, explosives and assist with public order.
Mr Ilham had just witnessed a dog being struck by a car in a hit-and-run and told his father that he had stepped in to help.
Trained to handle animals, Mr Ilham instinctively sprang into action when he saw the accident on the evening of Aug 3.
He immediately ran across the road and carried the injured dog to safety.
While calming the disoriented animal, he noticed it was wearing a harness - suggesting it was a runaway pet rather than a stray - although no owner was in sight.
Mr Ilham called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for assistance, as the dog began seizing repeatedly in his arms. Moments later, however, the frightened poodle bolted back across the road.
He gave chase and shouted for help, prompting at least 10 passers-by to respond. A young woman eventually managed to catch the dog and handed it back to him.
During the rescue, the dog bit him six times on three of his fingers. Despite the pain, he refused to let go and held the animal securely while waiting for the SPCA and police to arrive.
In response to TNP's queries, a police spokesperson confirmed that they had been alerted on Aug 3 by an off-duty full-time Police NSF to a suspected hit-and-run involving a car and a dog along Bedok South Road towards Bayshore Drive.
"The officer sustained injuries while rescuing the dog, and subsequently sought his own medical attention. Police investigations are ongoing," said the spokesperson.
Recovering well
Mr Jufri said he and his wife, Surayah Akbar, arrived shortly after and tended to their son's wounds while he gave a statement to the Traffic Police.
That night, Mr Ilham was taken to Changi General Hospital, where he received a tetanus shot and was warded for observation.
The next morning, at 9.10am, he underwent surgery for debridement - the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue - and treatment on three of his fingers. An X-ray also revealed he had fractured one of them.
He is now recovering in hospital.
"Despite the pain, he's in good spirits," wrote Mr Jufri. "He's received visits from family, a good friend - and even a caring couple he met during the rescue.
They called him 'our young hero'."
Mr Jufri's post has since garnered over 950 reactions, 200 comments, and 170 shares.
Netizens respond with well-wishes
Netizens echoed the sentiment, describing Mr Ilham as brave and selfless, and lauding him for his initiative.
"What an incredible young man. Ilham's bravery, compassion, and calm under pressure are truly admirable," one user commented.
"Wishing him a smooth recovery, he's a hero in every sense of the word."
"Thank you for going above and beyond!" another added. "You saved both the pup and the owner from a fatal accident and a broken heart! Take care of yourself."
Others left simple but heartfelt notes: "What a kind hearted young man. Thank you for saving the poodle. May you have a speedy recovery."
Editor's note: This story was updated on Aug 6 with a police statement.