A baby was surrendered to one of the Benton Fire Department’s two Safe Haven Baby boxes on Tuesday.
Matt Thibault, spokesperson for the City of Benton, released a statement Wednesday stating that at 9:27 p.m. on Tuesday night the baby was surrendered at Benton Fire station 3 at 2717 Edison Avenue.
“The alarm sounded on the Safe Haven Baby Box located outside the building. First responders investigated and found that a newborn baby, less than 24 hours old, had been placed inside the box,” the press release states.
The City of Benton is partnered with Safe Haven Baby Box. The boxes are paid for entirely with private donations.
A Baby Box is a safety device provided for under Arkansas’ Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely and anonymously surrender if they are unable to care for the newborn.
Baby Boxes are installed on the exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital.
The baby was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where Department of Human Services officials took custody of the infant.
“The baby was healthy and well cared for, obviously loved. It is my understanding that the mother traveled from out of state to surrender her baby as her state does not offer this anonymous and safe option,” Benton Fire Chief Russ Evans said in the press release.
“To the mother, thank you for your decision and for allowing the Benton Fire Department to be a part of your journey. Please know your child is healthy and stunningly handsome. Gold bless you,” Evans said in the release.
This is the second time a baby box has been used in Benton, the first baby was surrendered in May 2020 to the same Benton Fire Station, which was the first Safe Haven Baby Box in the state, according to the Arkansas Catholic website, arkansas-catholic.org.
