An Example For All: Manassas Girl, 11, Helps Reunite Lost Girl At 5K

MANASSAS, VA — An 11-year-old girl in Manassas proved that age doesn't matter when it comes to helping someone in need.

Jade Rubí Rodríguez, who turns 12 on Tuesday, was honored by Manassas City Council and City of Manassas Police Monday night for her actions in helping a lost child. She received a chief's commendation from Police Chief Doug Keen as well as a swag bag from Manassas Police and a $50 Chick-fil-A gift card.

Rodríguez had been participating in the regional Girls on the Run 5K at One Loudoun in Ashburn on May 17, partnered with Manassas Police officer Carilyn Mello, according to Sgt. Brett Stumpf of the Manassas City Police Department. After running about two miles and approaching the finish line, Rodríguez noticed a little girl who looked distressed and pointed out the girl to Mello.

Rodríguez then went over to the girl and asked what was wrong, to which the girl answered she got separated from her parents and was looking for her dad.

"There's over 2,000 kids there and parents, and they're all wearing essentially the same shirt to kind of give you [an idea] how scary this could be for this little girl that Rubí helps," said Stumpf.

Mello and Rodríguez got a description of her dad, and they were able to find the girl's dad. Stumpf said the family was relieved to find their lost daughter.

Stumpf said Rodríguez is an avid runner and "put her own goals aside" to help the little girl.

"Due to Rubí's situational awareness, empathy, quick action, she was able to make a little girl feel safe, reunite her with a grateful family," said Stumpf. "Rubí was able to employ skills learned from the Manassas City Police Department Girls on the Run, displaying heroism and unselfishness."

According to City of Manassas Police, the police department's Girls on the Run program "teaches girls the value of embracing one another's differences and finding strength and connectedness."

Keen encouraged Rodríguez to join Manassas Police when she is an adult.

"Mom and Dad, I think you should be extremely proud of Rubí. She's an example of what we all should be striving to achieve," said Keen.