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Newborn left in 'baby box' at Indiana fire station

Posted at 12:31 PM, Nov 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-08 21:18:14-05

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- When a Michigan City fire department installed their "Safe Haven Baby Box" last year, they hoped it would never be used, but on Tuesday night an infant was left inside the box for the first time. 

The box at the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department is equipped with an alarm that notifies the 911 center when a baby is placed inside of them - so they aren't left very long. 

Coolspring Fire Chief Mike Pawlik was the first to arrive at the station and find the infant, followed by an ambulance to transport the child to the hospital to be checked out. 

READ | What happens to Indiana's 'Safe Haven' babies?

The infant appeared to be healthy and in good condition, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. 

Chief Pawlik rode with the child to the hospital in the ambulance. 

“When this box was installed, we hoped that it would never be used yet we're thankful that it exists for cases just like the one Tuesday night," said Chief Pawlik. "We are grateful that the mother had this option and made this choice and we remain concerned for her health."

READ | Second baby left with IFD under 'Safe Haven'law

Indiana has a safe haven law which allows mothers to surrender their newborns without fear of prosecution. 

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