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Lawton council clears installation of safe-haven baby box at fire station
Summary
The Lawton City Council unanimously approved a proposal to allow installation of a safe-haven baby box at a manned Lawton Fire Station after a presentation by community advocates; local partners have offered to underwrite annual maintenance costs and cover installation expenses so the city would incur no cost.
The Lawton City Council voted unanimously to allow installation of a safe-haven baby box at a Lawton Fire Station after a presentation from community volunteers.
The proposal was presented to the council by Natalie Fitch and Didi Arms, who described the device as an incubated, alarmed unit placed at a manned fire station that notifies staff automatically when an infant is placed inside. "It's to save babies," Arms said, adding the box gives parents an option when they do not know what to do with a newborn.
City staff and advocates said local partners have agreed to underwrite ongoing maintenance. Arms said the actual unit costs about $20,000 with roughly $10,000 for installation; an annual maintenance/monitoring fee (quoted at about $650) would be underwritten by a local organization, and the plan would cost the city nothing to install or operate. Arms told the council she had discussed the idea with Fire Chief Williams and that the chief "already knows where he wants it to go." She added, "I just think it's a win win win win win. I can't see anything negative about it."
Councilmembers asked no follow-up questions before a motion was made to permit the installation. The motion passed 8–0.
The presenters told council the project has gained partnership interest from Comanche County Memorial Hospital, though that partnership was described as supportive but not yet fully finalized.
Council action: the council authorized staff to allow installation of a safe-haven baby box at a Lawton Fire Station; no city budget appropriation was required based on the presenters' representations that outside partners would cover purchase, installation and recurring maintenance.
Looking ahead: Staff will coordinate with the fire department and partner organizations on placement, installation timing and paperwork; the presenters said local sponsorship would cover costs.
