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Officials Praise Person for Surrendering Infant Girl in Ohio Safe Haven Box
2024-12-03
On Monday, Dec. 2, fire officials in Ohio made a remarkable discovery. A baby girl was found in a local Safe Haven baby box. This event has sparked much interest and concern. In a release addressing the discovery, the Lebanon Police Department confirmed that both police and fire units received an alarm from the Newborn Safety Incubator at Fire Station 41 around 3:24 p.m. local time.

The Heroic Decision and Its Impact

When the alarm signaling a baby surrender was received, police and fire officials quickly located a female infant. She was immediately transported by the Lebanon Fire Department to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Representatives from the Lebanon Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Once at the hospital, Warren County Children’s Services was notified. At this time, police have no further information regarding the discovery.In a post on Facebook, Warren County Prosecutor David P. Fornshell praised the person who dropped the baby off. He wrote, "When I was first notified about this earlier today, I had an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for the mother who made this heartbreaking, yet heroic and courageous, decision to save this little girl’s life. This newborn is going to be an absolute blessing for the family who ultimately adopts her. We have no need to know who this mother is. But I hope SHE knows how much respect we have for the decision she made today."The Lebanon Police Department explained via statement the details of leaving a child at a baby box in Ohio. "A parent may voluntarily deliver the parent’s child who is not older than thirty days, without intent to return for the child, to any of the following, a peace officer, peace officer support employee, hospital employee or emergency medical service worker," the statement said.Ohio currently has 10 baby boxes throughout the state, with the latest installed in October 2023, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Safe Haven baby boxes are temperature-controlled, and an alarm sounds when opened to alert dispatchers and fire crews of a baby inside within 60 seconds. Generally, the infant is removed within two minutes of the alarm going off.This incident highlights the importance of such Safe Haven programs. It shows that there are options available for parents in difficult situations. It also demonstrates the quick response and care provided by the various agencies involved. The story serves as a reminder of the complexity of such situations and the need for support and understanding.The discovery of this baby girl in the Safe Haven baby box is a significant event that has touched the hearts of many. It raises important questions about the well-being of children and the support systems in place. As we follow the progress of this case, we can hope that it will lead to positive changes and a better future for all.
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