SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – A Sparta Township police officer delivered a baby girl Monday along Route 15.
On January 15, at around 8:50 p.m., police responded to the area of Route 15 South near the Sparta Township and Jefferson Township line for a female actively giving birth ,police said.
In less than a minute, Officer Christopher Botta located the vehicle pulled over on the shoulder of Route 15 and quickly made contact with the occupants, Tyler, and Stephanie, police said.
Officer Botta observed the baby’s head crowning and proceeded to ensure the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby’s neck, police said.
After confirming everything appeared normal, seconds later, Stephanie delivered the baby girl into Officer Botta’s hands. Once birthed, the baby girl, Millie, began crying and appeared to be in good health. Additional patrols arrived on scene for safety and assisted with the monitoring of Millie and mom until the Sparta First Aid Squad arrived.
Due to the cold and snowy weather conditions, Millie and Stephanie were wrapped in blankets to ensure everyone stayed warm. Soon after, Stephanie and Millie were ultimately transported to the Morristown medical Center.
Patrolman Botta contacted Tyler and Stephanie on Jan. 17 to follow up on everyone’s health and wellness.
According to the parents, Millie is doing well.
“We wanted to congratulate Millie’s parents, Tyler, and Stephanie on the birth of their baby girl and hope that they will come visit us at the station in the future,” Sparta Township Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said. “We thank Officer Botta along with Sgt. Robert Fraser, Officer Erick Finley, and Officer Alyse Brown for their quick actions, compassion, professionalism, and protection from bad weather conditions and highway traffic during this unforgettable experience. Thank you to the Sparta Ambulance Squad and St. Clare’s Paramedics for their assistance.”
“As the Chief I am very proud of my Officers for taking this call to action with using their training and teamwork to help bring a beautiful little girl, Millie, into this world,” McCarrick said.
