By Laura French
SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. — Two EMTs and two police officers who helped deliver a New Jersey island’s first baby since 1977 were honored at the small community’s city hall this week.
Sea Isle City EMTs Kris Lynch and D.J. Fancher, Police Sgt. Shawn Lesniewski and Patrolman Steve Jankowski responded to a call that started out with someone suffering abdominal pain on Jan. 27, and turned out to be a woman in labor, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
The baby was born feet-first about 10 minutes after the initial call. Luciana Golato, the first baby born in the city in more than four decades, arrived safely with the help of the first responders, despite encountering complications, including the umbilical cord being wrapped around her twice.
The newborn and mother were transported to a hospital in Somers Point after the birth.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio said the responders went beyond the call of duty and exemplified the excellent emergency services on the island.
The EMTs and police officer received lapel pins bearing the image of a stork and reunited with Luciana’s parents and 3-year-old sister on Tuesday. The mother, Jeanne Golato, credited the first responders with helping save her and her baby’s life.
Sea Isle City, off the coast of Cape May County, has a population of about 2,114 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.