According to the Clarksville Fire Department, the baby was safely placed in the box Sunday morning.
CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Less than a year after officials blessed a new Safe Haven Baby Box in Clarksville, officials said a baby was surrendered to Clarksville Fire Station 1.
Just after 7 a.m. Sunday, a healthy newborn was anonymously surrendered.
“When I received the news, it felt like I was responding to my own child,” Chief Brandon Skaggs said. “That’s how emotional it was.”
Skaggs said the lieutenant in charge was on the other side of the wall when heard the box open from the outside. When he heard the door close, he looked inside to find a baby less than an hour old.
It took firefighters less than 15 seconds to have the newborn baby girl in their arms.
“I can’t imagine the bravery it takes and courage it takes to surrender your newborn,” Skaggs said. “I’d like the parent to know, whoever did the surrender, how brave you are. We respect you. There’s no shame. You showed grace and love yesterday and it’s noticed and your baby’s doing well.”
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said it was “the ultimate act of selflessness.” Kelsey’s mother abandoned her just hours after her birth.
“I’m so thankful she chose a safe place to surrender her child and not in a dumpster or trash can like we see too many times,” Kelsey said.