A MORNINGTON Peninsula tradesman has been celebrated for his remarkable bravery after saving a woman with a disability from her burning home on New Year’s Day.
When an illegal firework ignited a blaze in a Tootgarook house just after midnight, bystander Jon Croft sprang into action. Without hesitation, he smashed through a bedroom window and pulled wheelchair user Nikki Gill to safety – mere moments before flames consumed the room.
Croft was officially recognised for his heroism on 25 October, receiving the CFA Citizen’s Commendation for Bravery during a ceremony in Rye.
The award honours members of the public who demonstrate exceptional courage or service in connection with CFA operations or within their communities.
Reflecting on the dramatic rescue, Croft said instinct took over. “To be honest, nothing was really going through my head,” he 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.”
Croft said he never expected to receive formal recognition for his actions. “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.”
The Rye event also marked an emotional reunion between Croft and Gill – their first meeting since that night. “It was great to see her again and to see her doing well. That’s the best outcome I could’ve hoped for,” Croft said.
CFA incident controller and Rye fire brigade captain Eddie Matt praised Croft’s swift intervention, noting firefighters had arrived to find the woman already safe. “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 commendation, described Croft’s actions as selfless. “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.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 November 2025
