Heroic tradie honoured for life-saving rescue
Nikki Gill, Jon Croft and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
A Melbourne man has been recognised for his extraordinary courage after rescuing a disabled woman trapped inside her burning home on New Year’s Day 2024.
When an illegal firework sparked a house fire in Tootgarook shortly after midnight, bystander Jon Croft acted without hesitation, smashing a bedroom window and pulling wheelchair-user Nikki Gill to safety moments before the room was engulfed in flames.
Jon was awarded the CFA Citizen’s Commendation for Bravery in recognition of his selfless and life-saving actions at a ceremony in Rye on Saturday night (25 October).
The award is presented to a community member who has performed a conspicuous act of bravery or provided exemplary service in connection with CFA operations or the wider community.
Recalling the incident, the tradie said he didn’t have time to think before running towards the flames.
“To be honest, nothing was really going through my head,” Jon said.
“I just heard the scream and knew something was wrong. I didn’t think one bit, I just ran straight towards her.
“I’ve always thought if something like that ever happened, I’d want to do something about it. I wasn’t willing to stand there and watch her die in the front window.”
Jon said the award came as a surprise.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, I’m just happy my kids can be proud of it,” he said.
“It gives them a story to tell their friends when they’re older.”
Saturday’s ceremony also brought an emotional reunion between Jon and Nikki, the first time the pair had seen each other since the incident.
"It was great to see her again and to see her doing well. That’s the best outcome I could’ve hoped for,” Jon said.
CFA Incident Controller and Rye Fire Brigade Captain Eddie Matt said Jon’s swift actions before crews arrived had already ensured the Nikki’s safety.
“We didn’t even know he’d saved her on arrival,” Eddie said.
“We were there in about three minutes by then he’d already done what he’d done, and the occupant was safe. We just dealt with the fire.
“It speaks volumes of Jon that he performed that heroic act and then just stepped aside without saying anything.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, who presented the award, commended Jon for his bravery.
“The courage and selflessness Jon displayed that night was remarkable,” he said.
“He put his own safety aside to save someone else, and that deserves the highest recognition.”
Jon Croft is the eighth recipient of the CFA Citizen’s Commendation for Bravery since its introduction in July 2019.