Bernadette Bush woke up on March 31, a Monday, to learn that a 2-year-old girl remained missing near her Fox Chase home.
The Philadelphia Police Department was seeking the public’s assistance in locating Diarraye Barry, who had been last seen the night before at 7:45 at Champions Park Playground, located at Verree Road and Tustin Street.
Bush was on the Fox Chase page on Facebook and learned the pronunciation of the toddler’s name and what she was wearing – a pink dress with white stars, and a light brown jacket over top.
And while police were merely seeking tips to Northeast Detectives, Bush decided to visit the playground before she had to go to work.
“I walked in the park and found her immediately,” she recalled.
Bush picked up a crying Diarraye and brought her to police officers, who were on the scene, no more than a block away. The girl’s mom arrived, and the two took an ambulance to a hospital to have Diarraye checked out.
City Councilman Brian O’Neill ultimately learned of Bush’s heroics and asked her to his office last week at 432 Rhawn St. to present her with a citation.
Bush was joined by her son, parents (who brought her flowers) and friends. ••
