The Molotov cocktail didn’t enter the city jewellery store with a bang but with a soft whooshing sound.
The rudimentary petrol bomb sailed past security guard Frank Nesci and straight towards a middle-aged male customer and two staff members who were hunched over a glass cabinet inspecting a piece of jewellery.
“A bright light came into the store and then the carpet caught on fire,” said Mr Nesci, who raced towards the petrol bomb and scooped it up in his left hand.
But the weight of the scorching hot petrol bomb shifted and burnt his ring finger, forcing him to hurl it towards the door.
He then ran after the bomb and booted it out of the high-end jewellery shop and into Bourke Street before dousing it with a fire extinguisher.
His quick thinking and heroism has earned the Gladstone Park resident a commendation for brave conduct almost two-and-a-half years after the terrifying ordeal at Kozminski’s jewellery store.
Last Thursday, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove announced that the Kozminski security guard of more than 20 years was among 59 people to receive an Australian Bravery Decoration.
Sir Peter offered his congratulations and gratitude to Mr Nesci and the other 58 award recipients.
“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to put themselves in harm’s way to assist others in need,” he said.
Mr Nesci will attend an investiture in the next few months to receive his award.
