By Mikayla van Loon
In a moment of pure human reaction to a devastating fire unfolding just a street away, a police sergeant who’d finished his shift made every attempt to save an elderly woman from the blaze.
That act of bravery by now Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Schroder of Mooroolbark Police Station, who was at the time officer in charge at Monbulk Police Station, was commended and recognised in the Governor-General’s Australian Bravery Decorations.
Acting Snr Sgt Schroder was one of six people to be awarded the bravery medal for his attempted rescue of 96-year-old Jacoba Vegt on 28 June 2020 from her Monbulk property.
“Sergeant Schroder approached the house and saw that the rear of the structure appeared to be fully alight and had broken through the roof. He could not see anyone outside but knew that the house was occupied by an older woman,” the award citation read.
“He called for assistance and forced open the front door, shouting out to try and raise anyone inside.
“[He] entered the house and went through the passageway into the living room. The smoke was down to his waist, the living room was on fire and the ceiling was starting to collapse, which forced him to withdraw.”
Despite being around 9.30pm, the sergeant was joined by another man who offered assistance, fetching a tool from his vehicle to break the rear windows of the property.
“We managed to clear most of the rooms but couldn’t get into the kitchen area, it was too intense,” Acting Snr Sgt Schroder told Star Mail in May 2022.
With every effort taken by Acting Snr Sgt Schroder and the passerby, and with emergency service crews arriving shortly after to search the house and douse the fire, sadly Ms Vegt died.
Having known the great-grandmother through family and professional connections, it was a tough day for the then sergeant.
“We grew up with that family…I used to see her walking past the police station every day, so that was a bit hard,” he said.
The bravery medal was the second acknowledgement of his gallantry for this act of sheer instinct, having previously been awarded Victoria Police’s Medal for Courage in May 2022.
“I don’t think it’s anything that anybody else wouldn’t have done, I’m pretty sure most of us would have done the same in [those] circumstances,” Acting Snr Sgt Schroder said at the time.
Despite this, he also admitted that “running into a burning house isn’t a natural thing to do”.
A group of 46 people were commended by Governor-General Sam Moyston receiving either the bravery medal, a commendation for brave conduct or a group bravery citation.
Governor-General Moyston said a recipient of an Australian Bravery Decorations honour is someone who has put themselves in danger to protect the lives or property of another.
“For nearly 50 years, the Australian honours system has recognised outstanding Australians. Men and women who have contributed to their communities and our nation with care and kindness,” she said.
“Recipients come from different parts of our country and diverse backgrounds. They are connected by their selfless, courageous, resilient and determined response in extraordinary circumstances.
“Each is inspiring. I am delighted that these exceptional people will forever know they have earned the gratitude of every Australian.”
