PLANT CITY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County officer is being recognized after successfully delivering a baby boy on the shoulder of the 60 Freeway in Plant City.
The driver told the deputy that his pregnant wife was about to give birth. Upon hearing this, Jones immediately called the Hillsborough County Fire Department for a response. But he didn’t just sit and wait: Jones sprang into action to help the mother who was giving birth on the side of the road.
The deputy was able to provide “constant encouragement and emotional support” while also using his training to make sure it was a safe delivery.
Within minutes, the agency says a healthy girl was born.
The girl’s father, Luis Lopez, told 10 Tampa Bay Tuesday night: “I want to thank the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department for having amazing officers who helped us deliver our baby girl on Highway 60. Also Thank you to the fire department and EMS. team for the amazing job they did there.”
Luis López said he and the baby’s mother named the girl Lexela Luis López.
“I am extremely proud of Master Assistant Jones’s quick actions and dedication to serving our community in any capacity,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “This is the third time you have helped a citizen deliver a baby! While giving birth in the front seat of a car was not the original birth plan, Senior Assistant Jones reassured the mother of six that she was in good hands.
“I wish mom, dad and their new baby girl all the joy and happiness. Congratulations!”
Once medical teams arrived at the scene, they took the mother and child to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and care.
Jones, who has been with the sheriff’s office since December 2001, was delighted to help welcome the girl and even cheekily recommended that they name the baby “Red.”
I just heard from this girl’s father, Luis López! He tells me, “I want to thank the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department for having amazing officers who helped us deliver our baby girl… Also thank you to the fire department and EMS team for the amazing job they did there.” . https://t.co/zXmYdQBS0b pic.twitter.com/CDb8I0i4O3
— Hannah Dineen WTSP (@hannah_dineen) May 3, 2023
