A newborn was safely and anonymously surrendered at Ennis Fire Station No. 3 last month, marking the first use of a Safe Haven Baby Box in the city.
Firefighters responded to a silent alarm triggered when the infant was placed inside the secure box. They provided immediate care and medical attention before turning the baby over to child welfare authorities. The child is reported to be healthy and receiving proper care.
The surrender falls under Texas’ Safe Haven law, which allows parents to legally and anonymously give up an unharmed infant up to 60 days old at designated locations like fire stations and hospitals without facing prosecution. The law aims to prevent unsafe abandonments and ensure newborns receive prompt medical attention.
Ennis Fire Chief Bill Evans praised the system’s performance. The box, installed with support from a grant by Impact Communities, was designed to give parents in crisis a secure, judgment-free option.
This successful activation highlights the growing network of Safe Haven Baby Boxes across Texas and the nation, providing a compassionate alternative for families facing difficult circumstances.
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