Firefighters are no strangers to the unexpected, always on their toes, ready for whatever comes their way.
Yet, nothing could have prepared the crew at Station 75 Fire Department in Santa Ana, California for the surprise that landed on their doorstep one fateful day in March.
A young woman, carrying the weight of a difficult decision, arrived at the station with a newborn baby in her arms.
She had just given birth the day before, and the baby was a mere 15 hours old.
With a heavy heart, she explained to the firefighters that she needed to give her baby up.
This might sound unusual, but California’s Safe Surrender law makes it possible.
It allows anyone to safely hand over a child to authorities, including firefighters, within the first two weeks of its life, no questions asked.
This law is a lifeline for new mothers in crisis, offering a safe alternative to desperate measures.
This law proved to be a lifesaver for the girl.
Firefighters Michael DeLeon, Daryll Milliot, Shawn Stacy, and Tyler Green took the baby from the young woman, who then left, entrusting her child’s fate to them.
The firefighters did everything they could to care for the newborn until further help arrived.
The baby’s future with her mother was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she was now in safe hands.
Fast forward nine months, and it was time for a heartwarming reunion.
The little girl, now named Naomi, returned to the station with her new adoptive parents.
It was a special moment for the four firefighters who had cared for her.
Fire Captain Paramedic Daryl Milliot reminisced about the first time he held the 6-pound baby Naomi, saying, “This is so unique and rare, and something that I never thought I’d do.”
He also mentioned the young mother’s struggle to let go, wishing she could have held her baby for just a few months longer.
The firefighters didn’t just save Naomi; they became a part of her life.
They even attended her adoption ceremony, a proud moment for them all.
Fire Authority Engineer Michael DeLeon described attending the ceremony as one of the highlights of his career, adding, “I mean, going to that ceremony and getting to see her again, because, you know, when it happens, you don’t know what’s going to happen to the baby, really.”
Naomi is now thriving in a loving home with her adoptive parents, Kristin and Kurt Schneider, who had always planned to adopt.
She also has an adopted brother, 1-year-old Juda.
Most importantly, Naomi will grow up knowing her unique story.
See this heartwarming story in the video below!
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