texas

2-Day-Old Infant Left at Plano Fire Station

“I believe this was the ultimate act of love,” said Fire Chief Sam Greif

Plano firefighters are spreading awareness of a Texas law that allows parents to leave their infants in safe places after a 2-day-old boy was left at a local fire station last week.

At about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, a woman claiming to be the baby's mother left her child with paramedic at Plano Fire Station 1 at 1901 K Avenue, said Capt. Peggy Harnell, Plano Fire-Rescue spokeswoman.

The woman told the paramedic she didn't feel she could take care of the baby, according to Harnell. The boy, who appeared to be in good health, was evaluated, loaded into an ambulance and assessed at Children's Medical Center Plano, per department policy.

Child Protective Services took custody of the boy and placed him with a foster family.

The Safe Haven law, also known as the Baby Moses law, allows parents to leave their infant with an employee at a designated safe place, such as a hospital, freestanding emergency medical care facility, fire station or emergency medical services station.

Since the enacting of Texas' Safe Haven law in 1999, a total of three babies have been left at Plano fire stations, Harnell said.

“I believe this was the ultimate act of love,” said Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif. “This mother knew, for whatever reason, she could not provide the home that others so badly want to provide. I hope others that find themselves in her position will show the love and compassion she demonstrated.”

The Safe Haven law states:

• Your baby must be 60 days old or younger and unharmed and safe.
• You may take your baby to any hospital, freestanding emergency medical care facility, fire station, or emergency medical services (EMS) station in Texas.
• You need to give your baby to an employee who works at one of these safe places and tell this person that you want to leave your baby at a Safe Haven.
• You may be asked by an employee for family or medical history to make sure that your baby receives the care they need.

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