A Stranger Heard 'My Baby Is Still in the House' — and Went Back In
John Stickovich was on his way to work in Cleveland when he saw a house engulfed in flames and no fire trucks in sight. When the mother screamed those words, he went in. Twice.
John Stickovich was 62 years old and on his way to work in Cleveland, Ohio, on the morning of May 21, 2024, when he spotted a house consumed by fire and smoke. No fire engines had yet arrived.
A mother outside the burning home was searching desperately for her child. "My baby is still in the house!" she cried.
Stickovich tried to enter through a side door. The smoke and fire were too intense. He retreated.
Then he tried again — crawling in through an open back door. He searched through the smoke. He was driven back out a second time, empty-handed.
On his third attempt, his arm caught hold of the baby's leg. He pulled the child out with everything he had left.
The Cleveland Fire Department later said that Stickovich's actions were without doubt the reason the baby survived. He was treated for smoke inhalation at MetroHealth Medical Center and was able to go home the same day.
The city announced plans to honor him for his bravery.
Originally reported by Good News Network