Early this morning (April 3, 2006) at 02:51am San Jose Firefighters at Station #8 were advised via 911 of a report of a baby that had been left at their Fire Station. Station #8 is located on the corner of 17th Street and Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose. Engine 8 personnel immediately exited the Station and quickly found the baby. They immediately took the baby inside the Station where the infant was examined and determined to be healthy. Firefighters commented that whoever surrendered the baby made an effort to ensure it was cared for and protected from the elements. After being treated and cared for by Firefighters, the baby was transported to a local Hospital for further evaluation.
Firefighters praised the individuals responsible for using the Safe Surrender Law and keeping the baby healthy and safe. Under the Safe Surrender Law a parent may surrender a newborn to any on-duty Firefighter or Hospital Emergency Room Employee within Santa Clara County. A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for a newborn can surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth without fear of being prosecuted, as long as the baby shows no signs of abuse or neglect. The purpose of the law is to provide a safe place for the newborn when a parent feels he or she cannot handle the responsibility. Parents who change their minds can begin the process of reclaiming their infant within 14 days.
Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, Public Information Officer, SJFD
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