‘We are deeply grateful’: Fire department receives 2nd infant in Safe Haven Baby Box

ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A newborn girl is in the custody of the Missouri Department of Social Services after being surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box.

According to the Mehlville Fire Protection District, crews and Central County 911 were notified about the baby at about 2:30 p.m. last Sunday.

First responders said the newborn girl was evaluated and found to be healthy.

“We understand this decision is never easy, and we are deeply grateful to her parents for choosing a safe option and entrusting us with her care,” the Mehlville Fire Protection District shared.

This was the second surrender of a newborn child at Mehlville’s Fire House 2 on Telegraph Road since the Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in August 2023.

The first surrender was in February of last year.

The Safe Haven Baby Box serves as a safe, legal and anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender their newborn.

“This event reinforces the importance of having resources like the Safe Haven Baby Box in our community,” Brian Hendricks, fire chief of Mehlville Fire Protection District, said. “It’s about protecting our most vulnerable residents and giving them the best chance for a healthy future.”

There are currently plans for the installation of a second Safe Haven Baby Box in the district.

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