On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, a 27 year-old female walked up to Fire Station 46 with a small bundle in her arms. As firefighters warmly greeted this woman, she declared she had a newly born baby girl to give as a Safe Surrender. All 106 of LAFD's fire stations, along with local hospitals are Safe Surrender locations. This program is based on a statewide Safe Haven Law, and was championed on a regional basis by County Supervisor Don Knabe. It is intended to protect infants from being hurt or killed from abandonment. A parent or legal guardian can hand over a baby, three days old or younger.
Firefighters compassionately took the baby girl into their arms and used a blanket to keep her warm as they assessed her medically. The child was stated to be only six hours old and did not appear to be abused or neglected. Mother declined any medical treatment for herself, other than allowing firefighters to take vital signs. Happily neither baby or mother had a medical complaint. Per protocol, firefighters filled out the appropriate documentation and provided both mother and infant with an identifying bracelet. Firefighters embraced the child while monitoring her as she was transported to a local hospital. It is standard practice for the baby to be placed in protective custody and for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide aid. We are happy to state that our last report was that the infant was very healthy and we are moved that this potentially tragic incident had a pleasant outcome. Firefighters affectionately nicknamed the Christmas Eve baby girl, "Noel".
For the abundance of kind-hearted individuals that have asked to adopt baby "Noel", we encourage you to click the above link to the DCFS or call their Public Affairs Department at (213) 351-5886.
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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