MEHLVILLE, Mo. – A newborn baby was safely surrendered at a safe haven baby box at Mehlville Fire House 2 over the weekend, according to the Mehlville Fire Protection District.

The baby was placed in the safe haven baby box at 5434 Telegraph Road around 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Upon discovery, fire crews immediately took custody of the newborn girl, who was transported to a hospital for evaluation and care. She is now in the custody of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

The safe haven baby box is a secure, climate-controlled compartment built into a fire station or hospital, allowing parents in crisis to safely, anonymously and legally surrender their newborn. Once the baby is placed inside, an alarm alerts trained staff, who respond immediately to provide care.

The baby box highlights the importance of resources to give children the chance for a safe and supportive future.

“This event reinforces the importance of having resources like the Safe Haven Baby Box in our
community,” said Brian Hendricks, Fire Chief of Mehlville Fire Protection District. “It’s about protecting our most vulnerable residents and giving them the best chance for a healthy future.”

The Mehlville Fire Protection District says this was the second surrender since installing the safe haven baby box in August 2023. The other such instance came in February 2024.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes has a confidential National Safe Haven Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1, that provides free counseling and info on safe surrender, including face-to-face surrender.