Officer assists mom delivering baby

Sparta police assisted a woman giving birth in a vehicle on the shoulder of Route 15 South near the Sparta-Jefferson border about 10:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15.

Officer Christopher Botta found the vehicle, talked to the occupants and saw the baby’s head crowning. He ensured that the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby’s neck, and seconds later, the baby girl was delivered into his hands.

The baby began crying and appeared to be in good health, police said.

Additional officers arrived and helped monitor the baby and mother until the Sparta First Aid Squad arrived. The mother and baby then were taken to Morristown Medical Center.

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, Botta contacted the parents, who said their daughter was doing well.

Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said, “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.”

He thanked Botta and Sgt. Robert Fraser and Officers Erick Finley and Alyse Brown “for their quick actions, compassion, professionalism and protection from bad weather conditions and highway traffic during this unforgettable experience.” He also thanked the Sparta Ambulance Squad and St. Clare’s Paramedics for their assistance.

“As the chief, I am very proud of my officers for ... using their training and teamwork to help bring a beautiful little girl, Millie, into this world.”