News

Safe Haven Baby Box installed at McConnellsburg Fire Company

by Geoff Fox

McConnellsburg Fire Company

Last March, a newborn baby was found dead at the intersection of North Second Street and Lincoln Way in McConnellsburg and in June, the parents were charged with crimes associated with leaving the child there.

Almost a year from that tragic incident, McConnellsburg Fire Company has installed a Safe Haven Baby Box at their station for mothers in a crisis situation when they cannot take care of their newborn.

The station is located at 112 East Maple Street in McConnellsburg.

The recently installed Safe Haven Baby Box is one of just three in the state of Pennsylvania. The others are in State College and Lancaster.

According to Deb Sheffield, as soon as a baby is put in the bassinet in the “Baby Box,” the door closes and 911 is dispatched.

The bassinet has a warmer for the infant while inside until paramedics arrive, able to keep the child safe and protected until help comes.

Those paramedics, Sheffield said, will take care of the infant and then take it to the hospital.

If a mother would want to find a Safe Haven Baby Box that would be closest to her, she can call 1-866-99BABY1.