ALLIANCE, OHIO – A newborn baby boy was left in the arms of an Alliance firefighter, the mother surrendered the baby under Ohio’s Safe Haven Law.
It’s a rare occurrence in Stark County according to the Deputy Director of Children and Family Services Tricia Mayle who praised the mothers’ decision.
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“This had to be one of the most difficult parenting decisions this family had to make ever,” Mayle said.
Alliance Fire Chief Jason Hunt said the mother rang the doorbell of the Central Fire Station and after being greeted by crews informed firefighters, she wished to surrender her baby. Firefighters transported the newborn to a nearby hospital.
“The baby is healthy,” Mayle said. “The child is currently placed in a foster home and there aren’t any immediate medical conditions or needs that we’re aware of.”
Surrendering a baby is legal under the Safe Haven Law, designed to prevent babies from being harmed, by allowing families a safe, secure, and anonymous option for their baby if they are unable to care for the child. A baby must be less than 30 days old and given directly to a first responder or medical professional.