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Residents urge council to allow Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 1; council agrees to schedule a work session
Summary
Residents and community advocates asked Rowlett’s council on Aug. 5 to allow installation of a Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 1; proponents said they would fund purchase and upkeep and the council agreed to schedule a work session to consider the proposal.
A group of citizens on Aug. 5 asked the Rowlett City Council to authorize placement of a Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 1 to give parents in crisis an anonymous, 24/7 option to surrender an unharmed infant safely and legally. Nurse Sarah McDermott (RN, BSN) and Eric Hartman (identified as a community resident and pastor) described nationwide use of baby boxes and said the devices are camera-free, open to an exterior slot, and trigger a silent alarm to station staff to secure and care for an infant.
Speakers said they had private funding pledged for the initial purchase (they cited a typical upfront cost of about $15,000) and an estimated annual maintenance cost (about $500), and they asked the council only for permission and a willing fire station. Speakers emphasized anonymity concerns for parents and said baby boxes can save lives by offering a nonpunitive, immediate alternative to unsafe abandonment.
Council response: Councilmember Shoop requested a future work session presentation on safe-haven baby boxes. A motion to place the item on a future work session agenda was made and seconded; council agreed to schedule the presentation and follow-up discussion. No expenditure or commitment by the city was approved at the Aug. 5 meeting.
Why it matters: Safe-haven laws allow an adult to surrender an unharmed infant to certain designated locations; baby boxes are one tool used by some communities to provide an anonymous, immediate option. Proponents said community partners will seek private funding for installation and upkeep; the council asked for a staff presentation at a future work session to examine operational, legal and cost implications before any city action.
Proponents and contact: Sarah McDermott (presenter), Eric Hartman (support) and representatives said they have identified funding sources and offered to cover startup and recurring costs, subject to council approval of a location and cooperating fire station.
