Off-Duty Missouri Firefighter Rescues Neighbor From Burning Home

Greg DeGreeff rushed into the blaze without gear to save a woman trapped inside

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:06pm

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An off-duty firefighter with the Pattonville Fire Protection District in Missouri sprang into action to rescue a neighbor from a burning home in Oakville. Greg DeGreeff, who was at home when his 3-year-old son alerted him to the fire, crashed through a fence to reach the back door and went inside without protective gear to find and safely escort the woman out of the smoke-filled house before the first fire truck arrived.

Why it matters

DeGreeff's quick thinking and courageous actions likely saved his neighbor's life, demonstrating the level of commitment and selflessness that firefighters maintain even when they are off duty. The incident has prompted the Pattonville Fire Protection District to recommend DeGreeff for a Medal of Honor.

The details

The fire began around 11:30 a.m. on March 29 and is believed to have started in the attached garage. When firefighters responded, they were told that neighbors were attempting to rescue a person trapped inside. DeGreeff, who was off duty at the time, rushed to the scene after his young son alerted him to the smoke. With flames blocking the front of the home, DeGreeff crashed through a fence to reach the back door and went inside without any protective gear to find and safely escort the woman, who had mobility issues, out of the smoke-filled house.

  • The fire began around 11:30 a.m. on March 29.
  • DeGreeff's 3-year-old son alerted him to the fire.

The players

Greg DeGreeff

A firefighter with the Pattonville Fire Protection District who was off duty at home when he rescued his neighbor from the burning home.

Pattonville Fire Protection District

The fire department where DeGreeff works and which plans to recommend him for a Medal of Honor.

Mehlville Fire Protection District

The fire department that responded to the call and worked to contain the blaze, which ultimately destroyed the home.

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What they’re saying

“He just came out and said there's smoke around the house… he was our watchdog. He found it.”

— Greg DeGreeff, Firefighter

“By the time I had made it out here, the garage was already fully involved.”

— Greg DeGreeff, Firefighter

“I didn't carry her out. I walked her out. I'm not trying to make myself sound any more. It's just what we do.”

— Greg DeGreeff, Firefighter

“You take care of people when you do this job for a living, so that's all what it was.”

— Greg DeGreeff, Firefighter

What’s next

The Pattonville Fire Protection District plans to recommend DeGreeff for a Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroic actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dedication and selflessness of firefighters, who are willing to put themselves in harm's way to save others, even when they are off duty. DeGreeff's quick thinking and courageous response likely saved his neighbor's life and serves as an inspiring example of the commitment firefighters have to their communities.