PINELLAS PARK, Fla. -- A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player surprised a Pinellas Park police officer after a story was featured on ABC Action News.
Officer Joseph Puglia stepped onto a busy interstate to save an injured dog, last month, with the rescue all caught on video.
“I really definitely appreciate it and this is wonderful,” Ofc. Puglia said to Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Godwin told Puglia he was moved by his care for that dog that morning on I-275.
“I was at work when I saw the video and instantly, you know, my heart went out to that dog, you know, and just seeing officer Puglia hop out of his car in the middle of traffic and, you know, and just doing an act of kindness, you know, really touched me and right then I knew I wanted to do something for him,” Godwin said.
RELATED: Dash cam captures police officer rescuing dog hit by car on I-275
Godwin brought Puglia a signed ball and jersey as well as announced him as the newest member of his foundation’s board to help other homeless animals in need throughout the Tampa Bay area.
“It feels good,” Puglia said, “on behalf of all police officers that are out here trying to do the right thing, you know, for people and for animals.”
