inyo_county_jail.jpg(Press Release) On August 6, 2013 at approximately 10:00 PM a man walked into the visitor’s lobby at the Independence Sheriff’s Office and Jail and asked that we contact an ambulance due to his wife being in labor in the parking lot.  Inyo County Sheriff’s Corporal Chris Connolly, and Officers John Bartlett and Vicki Michener immediately responded.  The mother to be had recently been seen in Bishop, but was sent home earlier in the day; the couple made it as far as Independence before she went into labor.

The mother was reclined back in the front seat of the vehicle, and was experiencing frequent contractions. As Corporal Connolly and Officer Bartlett were timing the contractions her water broke and active labor commenced.  Labor was quick and the baby began arriving almost immediately.  Corporal Connolly kept his hands on the baby’s head until he was relieved by EMTs from Independence Volunteer Fire Department and Cal FIRE.  Shortly after Connolly was relieved the full delivery of the baby happened.  Officer Michener supplied fresh towels to emergency medical personnel while continuing to provide assurance to the mother.

“As first responders we have all been trained on births, but experiencing this first hand will forever be in our memories,” stated Corporal Chris Connolly.  “The safety of the mother and the child were top priority.  This was a stellar job by all involved.”  –  Carma Roper, PIO

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