MICHIGAN CITY — A 12-year-old Michigan City girl is recovering remarkably well not even a month after being attacked by a 140-pound dog.

On the morning of Nov. 10, Winter Morgan was bitten by the bullmastiff everywhere except for her face and left leg on her way to the school bus stop. Michigan City Police say the heroic actions of Officer Scott Combs are likely what saved the girl’s life and he was honored Wednesday night.

“It was one of the most horrific things I had ever seen I was never prepared, trained for,” Officer Combs said. “I didn’t have a whole lot of time to think. It was something that I had to act immediately.”

Officer Combs arrived at the scene and found neighbors trying to fight off the dog, a bull mastiff that was attacking Winter.

“Officer Combs without hesitation grabbed the animal and was able to wrestle the animal to the ground and free the child,” said Chief Mark Swistek.

Officer Combs locked the dog into an adjoining room then tended to Winter. He is also a trained EMT and applied pressure on Winter’s wounds.

“Your quick actions undoubtedly saved the life of young Winter Morgan, your service on that day is to be recognized and is within the highest standards at the Michigan City Police department,” Said Chief Swistek as he presented Officer Combs with a plaque.

Officer Combs said police see many tragic things as first responders, and unfortunately this one will never leave him.

“This was a very unfortunate circumstance that I’ll never forget,” Officer Combs said. “Something that I can’t forget, something that sticks with me.”

He said if it wasn’t for the other officers and neighbors, things wouldn’t have fallen into place.

“It was destiny to have those individuals there with me,” Officer Combs said. “Everyone was set in place, everyone was put exactly where they needed to be at that very moment.”

Winter’s family eternally grateful for his heroic actions.

“Everyone who helped me that day and I’d rather not speak about it because every time…” Winter said as her voice trailed off and she broke into tears recalling the day.

“She just wants to stop, she wants to get it over with, she wants to resume her life,” said Ruth Hall, Winter’s mom.

The police also rewarded Winter for being a hero by protecting her face and body as much as she could. They gave her a purple bicycle, her favorite color.

“Winter wasn’t trying to fight off the dog, she was calm as could be during the attack and she did the right thing to survive the attack as well so a very, very brave girl for 12 years old,” said Chief Swistek.

But a long journey stands ahead for young Winter.

“She’s a very strong little girl, she’s doing what she needs to do to come back to being my daughter,” Ruth said.

Winter has undergone five surgeries and may need another skin graft, which she isn’t too excited about. The part of her body injured the most was her left bicep. Her mom said as long as she keeps up the physical therapy, she is expected to make a full recovery.

Charges are pending for the owner of Daz, the dog who bit Winter. He was put down 10 days after the attack on Nov. 20, as per standard protocol.

Source: WNDU