NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Thursday, February 26, 2004
 

CITY OF HARTFORD DISPATCH CENTER's PROMPT ACTION LEADS TO DELIVER OF BABY AT FIRE HOUSE.
 

(Hartford) - At approximately 1441 hours, this afternoon, Thursday, February 26, 2004, a call into 911 from a cellular phone was received by the City of Hartford Public Safety Dispatch Center.  Answering the call was 22 year veteran RTO (Radio Telephone Operator) Constance Lawson.  The caller indicated to the Dispatcher that he was traveling in his vehicle, with his wife and a child, that his wife was in labor, and they were in transit to St. Francis Hospital, but had concerns as to whether they would make the hospital.

RTO Lawson stayed on the phone with the driver, guiding him to the nearest Firehouse at 25 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, during which time she alerted the Fire Department of the situation, and contacted emergency services dispatch for a ambulance to meet the family at the Blue Hills Avenue Fire station. 

The family arrived at the Blue Hills Avenue Fire Station where ambulance personnel and emergency response Fire Department personnel were ready to assist the family.  A short time after their arrival, members of the Hartford Fire Department's Crew of Engine Co. 14 and Ladder Co. 4, assisted in delivery of the baby.

In commenting on the extraordinary incident, City of Hartford Dispatch Center Director Gary Stango stated, "Accolades are due all emergency response personnel involved in this incident.  RTO Lawson keeping in contact with the family, remaining calm, guiding the family to the Blue Hills Fire House to waiting emergency response personnel, is a tribute to the dedicated and experienced unsung heroes of our emergency response system.  My hat also goes off to members of  Engine Co. 14 and Ladder Co. 4 of the Hartford Fire Department at 25 Blue Hills Avenue as well,  for their immediate and professional response to the situation, and successful delivery of the baby.  We all wish the family and their new addition much happiness."

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
Visit www.hartford.gov for more Hartford Police News.
End.