A Council Bluffs teenager is being recognized for stepping in to help his father during a violent attack last December.
Sixteen-year-old Erik Opal has been named a recipient of the Carnegie Medal, the highest honor for civilian heroism awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund in the United States and Canada.
The award recognizes individuals who put themselves in extreme danger while attempting to save another person’s life.
Father Attacked While Investigating Smoke
The incident happened on December 23, 2025, when Erik’s father, Chad J. Opal, was checking a neighboring vacant house he also owned after noticing a smoky odor.
Inside the home, Chad encountered a man sitting on a living room couch. When Chad turned to call 911, the man attacked him with a five-inch hunting knife, striking him in the mouth and stabbing him multiple times.
Chad managed to fight back and force the attacker off the porch. The struggle continued outside, where Chad was stabbed again before moving toward the street and calling for help.
Erik, who was in his bedroom at home, heard his father’s screams. He called 911 while running outside to help.
When he reached the street, Erik saw his father struggling with the attacker. Believing the man was still armed, the teenager tackled him, allowing his father to break free. The attacker then struggled with Erik, and Chad returned to help restrain the man by holding down his legs until police arrived.
Authorities later found the knife on the other side of a fence near the vacant house, more than 50 feet away from where Erik intervened.
Chad suffered multiple stab wounds, was hospitalized, and required dental surgery. Erik sustained a cut to his arm but did not require medical treatment.
National Recognition for an Act of Courage
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced Erik Opal as one of 16 individuals receiving the Carnegie Medal in its September 21, 2026, award announcement. The Commission recognizes civilians who risk death or serious physical injury to save or attempt to save another person.
As part of the recognition, Erik and the other recipients will receive a financial grant. The Carnegie Hero Fund, established by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1904, has awarded 10,597 Carnegie Medals, according to the Commission’s latest announcement.
Source: Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
