Newborn Left at Fire Station Safe Haven Returns as a Thriving High School Graduate

Eighteen years ago, a newborn was left at Lake County Fire Station No. 112 in Clermont, Florida through the county’s “Safe Haven” program.

Colleen Katich recently visited that same station in her high school graduation cap and gown, sharing her plans to continue her education.

Katich reunited with some of the same firefighters that played a part in her story. Dan Miller, the firefighter who was on duty when she was dropped off, explained how it all happened. “The car pulls up in the driveway, so I stepped up and met the car; this young lady just walked up and handed me a baby carrier, and it was a little baby girl sleeping. She turned around and left,” he recalled. He then took her inside and they transported her to the hospital.

“The rest is history,” Miller said with a proud smile. Ten years after she first arrived at the station, they named an engine after her.

The fire department made a Facebook post congratulating Katich. “Join us in congratulating Colleen on her huge accomplishment. We are so proud of you!” the post read.

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Does Texas have a Safe Haven program?

Yes! Texas’ “Baby Moses” law allows parents who may not be able to care for their child to safely place him or her in the care of those at a fire station, hospital, or police station with 24-7 employees within 60 days after birth. All 50 states have safe haven laws; the timing and manner allowed to surrender a child can vary by state.

Texas was the first state to enact a “Baby Moses” law in 1999 after 13 babies were found abandoned within just 10 months. However, the policy did not allow the option to anonymously surrender a child in a safety device until 2023.

Abilene became the first city in Texas to put up a Safe Haven Baby Box at a local fire station. This is a temperature-controlled, padded, and monitored box, providing a safe and anonymous option to parents wishing to surrender their children. When the door is opened, it sends a silent alarm to the firefighters so they can take the baby to a hospital for a medical evaluation.

Safe Haven laws provide a crucial avenue for parents who may find themselves in difficult situations and in need of a safe and anonymous option to ensure their child’s well-being.

Colleen Katich is a wonderful example of how Pro-Life laws, like Texas’ “Baby Moses” law, allow these innocent newborns a chance at Life!