Montgomery unveils Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 10

Montgomery City officials and Montgomery Fire Rescue on Thursday unveiled a Safe Haven baby box installed at Fire Station Number 10 on South Court Street, saying the unit gives parents in crisis a secure, anonymous and legal option for surrendering a newborn.

The device was blessed and opened in a public ceremony at the station. Speakers at the event described the box as a life‑saving option for vulnerable infants and a complement to existing public‑health and child‑welfare services in Montgomery.

"Safe Haven Baby Boxes will continue to stand by all parents in crisis until there's no more illegal abandonment in infants in infants in our country," said Caitlin Kelly of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Kelly said the organization operates a 24‑hour hotline that has handled thousands of calls and facilitated face‑to‑face surrenders.

Montgomery Fire Rescue Chief Mifford Jordan told the crowd he brought the idea to city leadership about a year and a half ago and that the box was added as part of funds already allocated to the station. "This safe haven baby [box] will provide a life‑saving opportunity for parents in crisis who may be considering surrendering their newborn," Jordan said.

Mayor Steven Reed thanked the fire department and partner organizations, and said the installation reflects the city's emphasis on public‑safety innovation and compassion. "This box provides a safe, anonymous, and legal option for a parent who may feel they have nowhere else to turn," Reed said.

Event speakers urged community members to learn about the resource through Montgomery Fire Rescue's website. Caitlin Kelly said the box at Station 10 is open and available to anyone, including individuals who might cross state lines to use it: "Anybody who could cross state lines can use this box. This box remains to have and say no shame, no blame, and no names," she said.

The ceremony included a blessing by Fire Chaplain Stanley Presley and closing remarks from Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Officials did not announce a specific funding breakdown during the event, stating only that the box was paid for as an addition to funds already allocated to the station.

Montgomery City officials described the box as operational at the conclusion of the press conference and invited the public to view the installation at the station.