BRIDGEWATER — Police Chief Christopher D. Delmonte is pleased to announce that two Bridgewater Police officers who delivered a baby boy in a car last week met the newborn and his parents today for the first time since his birth.
Herkins Francois and Latonia Francois brought their newborn son, Herkins Francois Jr., to the Bridgewater Police Station to say thank you to Bridgewater Police Officer Michael Clark and K-9 Officer Steven Kingsley.
“It all happened so fast. I had Braxton Hicks for a couple weeks prior, so when contractions started happening I thought that’s all it was,” said Latonia. “I spent the hour before we were in the car cleaning my house. Then, all of a sudden I knew it was time and we were off to the hospital. It was in the car when I realized the baby was coming now. Thanks to the officers, the birth went smoothly and Herkins was even allowed to cut the umbilical cord.”
Little Herkins Xavier Jr. slept through most of the visit, even as Herkins and Latonia Francois recalled the events of their son’s brith.
Both Officer Clark and Officer Kingsley took turns holding the baby boy they helped bring into the world.
“It’s not every day that in this line of work you get to help deliver a baby,” said Officer Clark. “I’m just happy that he and mom are health and happy.”
“It was very gratifying to be able to help assist this family in their time of need,” said Officer Kingsley. “It was great to reunite with the family and see baby Herkins again.”
Chief Delmonte presented both officers with letters of commendation to recognize them for their efforts.
“Both officers did a great job assisting this family and this is not a call that we go on everyday,” said Chief Delemonte. “I would like to commend them for their actions and recognize them for a job well done.”
At approximately 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, Bridgewater Police responded to a call from Herkins Francois stating that he and his wife, Latonia Francois, were on the way to the hospital because Latonia was in labor and that they may not make it to the hospital in time.
Herkins Francois was instructed to pull off of Route 24 onto Pleasant Street in Bridgewater. He pulled into the Home Depot parking lot, located at 1453 Pleasant St. (intersection of Routes 24 and 104), and Bridgewater Police officers and Bridgewater Fire Paramedics were dispatched to the address.
Officers Clark and Kingsley arrived and assisted Latonia with the delivery of Herkins Xavier Francois Jr. just prior to the arrival of paramedics.
Shortly after the delivery of the child, Bridgewater Fire paramedics and the Massachusetts State Police arrived at the scene. BFD paramedics then treated the healthy mother and newborn, a boy, and transported the two to Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital.
Herkins Xavier Francois Jr., was born weighing 6 pounds and 13 ounces.
This was Officer Clark’s second time delivering a baby and Officer Kingsley’s first.
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