One of the most rewarding experiences in a persons life, is parenthood. While for many the promise of a soon-to-be son or daughter is a dream come true, for those who are unable to provide that child with adequate care, it can quickly sour to a nightmare, and unfortunately, the desperation and anxiety felt by the parent put in these situations can, all to often, result in the maltreatment or even death of the infant.
One possible solution is being adopted right now at the Glasgow Fire Department (GFD) in the form of a Safe Haven Baby Box. The box, which is built into a building that is constantly manned (most usually a fire house), is a last resort for parents to deposit a baby 30-weeks or younger. Once installation is complete, the GFD baby box will be the second such box in the Barren River area, with Bowling Green Fire Department being the other location.
GFD Chief William Rock publicly championed the addition of the box to the station at the Feb. 26th Glasgow City Council meeting, and has since been directly overseeing the prep work in getting the department ready for the box. “I’ve actually got a meeting with the company a bit later,” Rock said. “We’re going to go around the building to determine the best placement for it.”
The process is completely anonymous as to allow the parent to make their decision without fear of ridicule or judgement. Once a baby has been placed in the box an alarm will sound alerting first responders, once the baby has been removed they are given a medical examination to ensure the infant is healthy. Finally, the child will go into foster and adoption system.
While real steps are being taken now that the addition is imminent, it is important to note that due to GFD financial constraints, this safety net may never have been a possibility.
Thankfully, Rock’s endeavor caught the attention of local Church of Christ organizations in the area, moving the congregations to pay for the upfront costs for the box. Rock and these parishioners seem to share the same optimistic and egalitarian view, that regardless of circumstance, all life is precious.