𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

High Springs, FLA – Early this morning, just before 5 AM, the High Springs Fire Department witnessed a heartwarming event as firefighters sprang into action to deliver a baby girl in the station parking lot.

The journey of this miraculous delivery began when Mom, Dad, and their soon-to-be daughter were en route to UF Health Shands from the Live Oak area. Realizing that they wouldn't make it in time, they swiftly dialed 911, informing operators that they were moments away from the High Springs Fire Department.

Under the command of Captain Andy Burkhalter, the crew recognized the imminent arrival of the baby and acted swiftly. Firefighter (FF) /Paramedic Jon Friend, alongside FF/Paramedic Jake Rhoden, skillfully assisted in safely delivering the baby, who was approximately 33 weeks old, into the world. FF/EMT Clinton Drake expertly applied cord clamps, while FF/Paramedic Doug Hope aided the new father in cutting the cord. The joy and relief on the faces of the parents were palpable as they welcomed their newborn daughter.

Mother and newborn were transported to the hospital by Alachua County Fire Rescue. 

Reflecting on the extraordinary event, FF/Paramedic Jon Friend expressed, "After the baby was born, I was speechless. It was an emotion you rarely feel with the job.” said Friend. “It's not every day you get to deliver a baby." Friend's sentiment echoed that of the entire crew, who found immense fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The High Springs Fire Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to the new parents and wishes them a lifetime of joy and happiness with their newest family member.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan at 352-681-1907 or kmangan [at] highsprings.gov