Trending Topics

Newborn handed to LA firefighters on Christmas Eve

Baby and mother were examined at the station and found to be in good health

News Sentinel

LOS ANGELES — A 6-hour-old baby girl was nicknamed “Noel” by Los Angeles firefighters after she was handed to them by her mother on Christmas Eve.

The baby’s mother brought the child to Los Angeles Fire Department Station 46 near the Los Angeles Coliseum about 3 p.m. Friday under a state law that allows new mothers to relinquish babies without facing abandonment charges, according to department spokesman Erik Scott.

The baby and mother were examined at the station and found to be in good health, he said. “The baby did not appear to be abused or neglected,” he said, adding that the firefighters “affectionately nicknamed the baby girl Noel.”

After wrapping “Noel” in a blanket, the firefighters took her to a local hospital for postnatal care. She is now under the custody of the county’s Department of Child Services and will be cared for by a foster parent until she is placed for adoption or returned to a family member.

The mother and child were given matching identification bracelets in case the mother changes her mind.

Copyright 2010 ProQuest Information and Learning
All Rights Reserved
ProQuest SuperText