Morris County couple welcomes baby boy with help from Fairfield police and EMS in roadside delivery

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Essex County) — A Morris County couple from Denville Township welcomed their baby boy, Sebastian, on Sunday — not at a hospital, but on the side of the road, with the help of police and EMS crews after the mother went into labor en route to the hospital.

According to Fairfield Police Chief Anthony G. Manna, the incident began around 11:42 a.m., when officers and EMS were dispatched to the parking lot of Lumis restaurant, located at 4 Little Falls Road. The expectant parents had just left the West Essex Diner when the mother began experiencing labor pains. They quickly pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot and called 911.

Officers Vincent Purcell and Frank Patierno, along with members of Atlantic Healthcare ambulance and medics, responded to the scene. The mother and father were placed in the back of the ambulance, and Officer Purcell joined the EMS crew as they began the trip to Chilton Hospital.

However, while en route through Lincoln Park Borough, it became clear the baby wouldn’t wait. As the delivery became imminent, the ambulance pulled over, and Officer Purcell, EMS personnel, and Chilton medics successfully delivered Sebastian at roadside.

The mother, father, and newborn were then transported to Chilton Hospital, where they were reported to be doing well.

“Very often, because of the nature of our work, police officers as first responders experience what it is like to save the lives of victims that we are called to assist,” said Chief Manna. “But every so often, officers experience the absolute joy it is to bring a life into the world.”

Officer Purcell, a certified Emergency Medical Technician and member of the department’s Emergency Services Unit, said the experience fulfilled a longtime goal.

“It has always been a goal of mine since becoming an EMT to deliver a baby,” Purcell said. “Thanks to Sebastian, he made me realize this goal.”