A baby girl was safely surrendered to authorities at a Safe Haven Baby Box in West Terre Haute on Monday morning. The infant was dropped off at the Sugar Creek Fire Department building around 8:30 a.m., marking a significant moment for the local fire station and the broader network of safe haven locations across the state.
Sugar Creek Fire Department Chief Darrick Scott spoke with News 10 regarding the event. He expressed gratitude to the mother for her bravery in utilizing the resource. Scott described the situation as a blessing, noting that having this option available provided a crucial safety net for the parent during a difficult time.
Lieutenant Dillon Massey was the first responder to open the box and assess the infant. He found a healthy baby girl inside. The design of the box includes a silent alarm that alerts dispatch when the outer door closes. There is a sixty-second window before personnel inside the facility are notified, a feature intended to give the parent or guardian time to leave and maintain their anonymity.
Lt. Massey remained with the child to ensure her well-being from the moment she was discovered until proper authorities arrived. He stated that he stayed by her side the entire duration of his watch. Scott praised Massey’s dedication, comparing the firefighter’s focus to that of a soldier who knew his duty was to keep the infant secure.
Massey described the experience as one he would never forget. He expressed deep thankfulness for the opportunity to help, even if only for a short period. The emotional weight of the event was acknowledged by both the fire department leadership and the responding personnel.
According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the nonprofit organization responsible for installing and monitoring these units, this surrender represents the 90th infant safely turned in through a Baby Box since 2017. Additionally, the organization has facilitated more than 225 surrenders through its national hotline. These boxes serve as climate-controlled, legal locations where parents can safely leave newborns.
The specific unit in West Terre Haute was installed in February 2024. It is one of 152 Baby Boxes currently operating in Indiana. These locations are part of a larger national network that includes nearly 490 boxes spread across 27 states. The infrastructure is designed to provide a confidential and safe environment for parents in crisis.
Monica Kelsey, the founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, commented on the event. She characterized the mother’s decision as an act of selfless love. Kelsey noted that by choosing this path, the parent chose life, safety, and hope for the child.
The Sugar Creek Fire Department shared a statement on Facebook to inform the community. The post highlighted that this was the first surrender at their specific location. The department emphasized that the resource exists to provide a safe and confidential option for parents, ensuring newborns have the opportunity for a secure future. The statement acknowledged the difficult emotions involved in making such a decision.
In their message, the fire department expressed gratitude that the resource was available when needed. They wished the child a future filled with love and safety. The department reiterated that the process involves no judgment or questions, focusing instead on providing a safe place for the infant. They also shared the Safe Haven Crisis Line number, 1-866-99Baby1, for anyone seeking assistance.
