On the 4th of April, the day took a dramatic turn for Gabin, a 9-year-old boy. He was at home alone in Neuville-Vitasse (Pas-de-Calais), France, with his 5-year-old sister and their dog when a fire suddenly broke out in the family home.
Where many would have panicked, Gabin remained impressively calm. He remembered the crucial advice his father, a former volunteer firefighter, had given him just a few weeks earlier. It was a conversation that would change everything.
No one gets left behind
Without a moment's hesitation, the young boy put what he had learned into practice. His first instinct was to get his little sister to safety, leading her to the basement, away from the smoke and heat.
But his mission wasn't over. For Gabin, leaving without the third member of their little family was unthinkable: their loyal dog. Showing incredible courage, he went back into the house to rescue the animal.
Once everyone was safe, he had the presence of mind to close the doors behind him to slow the fire's spread by cutting off its oxygen supply, before alerting his mother. Moments later, the house's conservatory exploded. The whole family was safe and sound, all thanks to him.
A young hero celebrated by the whole town
”He’s the family’s hero,” his deeply moved father told the newspaper La Voix du Nord. It’s a pride shared by the entire town of Arras, which was keen to honour his exceptional act.
On Saturday, 4th July, during an official ceremony, Gabin received a long round of applause and was presented with several awards, including the medal of the town of Arras and the medal of honour for courage and dedication. ”We wanted an exceptional setting for an exceptional act, one that sets an example for our young people,” the mayor declared.
Although the family lost everything in the fire, they are now closer than ever. A wave of community support has emerged, and an online fundraiser has already collected over €10,000 to help them rebuild their lives.