“I am extremely proud of Master Deputy Jones’ quick actions and dedication to serving our community,” the sheriff said.
A mom-of-six unexpectedly gave birth to her baby on the shoulder of Highway 60 with the help of a deputy in Hillsborough County in Florida. The driver of the vehicle panicked as he approached the deputy, Master Deputy Daniel "Red" Jones, on the side of the highway stating that his pregnant wife was about to give birth. Jones then "sprang into action" and just minutes later, the baby was born in the front seat of the car. While the woman was in labor, Jones offered her enough emotional reassurance through the process and even cracked a couple of jokes to put the woman at ease.
Check this out. Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Deputy Ganiel "Red" Jones called for an ambulance, hoping to get the mother to a hospital before she gave birth, but the baby didn't want to wait for back-up. More: https://t.co/nsYix1tXtz pic.twitter.com/4CDor0rnHR
— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) May 3, 2023
A video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the deputy providing emotional support for the woman as she goes into labor. The deputy could be seen telling the woman to "breathe" as he took her hand. According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, this wasn’t the first time Jones had been part of a childbirth and he used his training to ensure another safe delivery. In fact, this was the officer's third time helping to deliver a baby in an emergency situation since joining the team. “I am extremely proud of Master Deputy Jones’ quick actions and dedication to serving our community,” Chronister said according to Gray News. “This is his third time assisting with delivering a baby!”
Video shared by the sheriff’s office shows Deputy "Red" Jones providing encouragement and emotional support for the woman.
— KLTV 7 (@KLTV7) May 3, 2023
This was his third time delivering a baby on the job. https://t.co/5itU3qXaGt
Toward the end of the bodycam footage, the woman told the officer that her baby was "coming." The video then cuts to show the officer holding up the baby girl to her mother. Soon after the delivery Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and took the mother and newborn to the hospital for evaluation.
While patrolling Highway 60 outside Tampa Sunday, a driver approached him in a panic, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.https://t.co/Fbyd75ivZj
— CBS4 News Gainesville (@mycbs4) May 2, 2023
Jones has been with Hillsborough County since December 2001 and said he was "thrilled" to help deliver the baby. He even jokingly recommended that the couple name the baby "Red" after him. The officer's sense of humor, quick thinking and response, and training is being applauded by authorities. They were glad he was able to tend to the woman with kindness and quick action during the hectic situation.
"While delivering in the front seat of a car was not the original birth plan, Master Deputy Jones reassured the mother of six that she was in good hands," the sheriff said per PEOPLE. "I wish mom, dad, and their new baby girl all the joy and happiness. Congratulations!"
References:
https://people.com/human-interest/florida-deputy-helps-mom-of-6-deliver-baby-highway/
https://www.kctv5.com/2023/05/02/watch-deputy-helps-woman-deliver-baby-along-side-highway/
Representative Cover Image Source: Pixabay | Christian Abella
