Baby born on the beat

The parents of a baby born in Deception Bay Police Station car park, have returned to the unexpected birthplace to thank officers who helped bring their son safely into the world.

Constables Jacob Pennisi and Constable Philippe Stigner were returning from morning call outs around 9.20am on March 1, when Nathaniel Pedler flagged them down from across the car park.

It quickly became apparent Nathaniel’s wife, Julie was in the late stages of labour and they’d pulled into the station, knowing there was not time to make it to hospital.

Constable Stigner jumped into action to assist with the birth, helping relay important instructions from a Triple Zero (000) call operator who coached them through the process.

Less than five minutes later, baby Blake entered the world. Constable Pennisi said he felt an immediate sense of relief when he heard the baby’s first cries.

“The call operator asked us to get a towel to wrap up the baby and to keep both mum and baby warm,” Constable Pennisi said.

“We found a towel in the back of the car, wrapped the baby up and the paramedics came about five minutes later.

“It all happened very fast. We definitely didn’t expect to be involved with a birth that day, but that’s the thing about this job, every day is different, every call out is unique.”

The Pedler family has been back to Deception Bay Police Station to thank the officers.

Julie said she was caught off guard by the speed of her labour and paid tribute to police for their calm support.

“It was all very quick on the day, it was nice to have the help of the police,” she said.

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