50th Safe Haven Baby Box surrender in the US happens in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A baby boy was recently surrendered to the Montgomery County Fire Safe Haven Baby Box.

The nationwide program started in 2015, and this incident is the 50th Safe Haven Baby Box surrender in the country.

Montgomery County firefighters were out training when a baby boy was surrendered to their High Street firehouse. However, when the alarm on the Safe Haven Baby Box was triggered, they said they responded within three minutes, and the baby was transported to the local hospital.

“It is weird to make an emergency run back to the station,” said Captain Zach Adams with the Montgomery County Fire Department.

Captain Adams responded to the call. He says he had trouble describing his feelings.

“Words cannot describe it. We weren’t expecting this. I truthfully thought the box would never be used,” Adams said.

It was the first time it had been used since its dedication on April 4.

Montgomery County Judge-Executive Chris Haddix had an emotional response.

“What do you say in a moment like this? You know? I want to say thank you to the mother that made a tough decision,” Haddix said.

Luke Neltner, a part-time firefighter and EMT for the Montgomery County Fire Department, was the ambulance driver for the surrendered baby.

It gives that baby a chance, Neitner said. “I don’t know what the parents are going through, and nobody will ever will.”

Neitner is also a full-time firefighter at the Winchester Fire Department. On Tuesday afternoon, Winchester Fire Station One on Maple Street dedicated the 38th Safe Haven Baby Box in Kentucky.

We are told the child is happy and healthy.

The parent of the baby boy has 30 days to reverse his or her decision to surrender the child.

There will be no legal action against the parent for surrendering the child.

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