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Council agrees staff can pursue grant to install safe-haven baby box at fire station
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Summary
After extended discussion about staffing and liability, the Anniston City Council gave majority agreement April 21 for fire department leaders to pursue a state grant to install a safe-haven baby box at Fire Station 1, with further operational review required before installation.
The Anniston City Council on April 21 gave staff majority direction to pursue a state grant to install a safe-haven “baby box” at Fire Station 1 while asking fire leadership to confirm staffing and response plans.
The discussion centered on how baby boxes—secured, alarmed receptacles that allow anonymous surrender of infants—would fit into existing department procedures. The council’s primary concern was whether the department could provide immediate response and cover staffing shortfalls when a box alarm was triggered.
"It's a rare occasion," the chair said, acknowledging that municipalities that operate baby boxes do not typically receive many admissions but that the option could save lives. The fire-department representative described how boxes work and cited national figures, saying, "I think there were 1,600 babies that have been abandoned since 1999 within the United States," and explained alarm-and-dispatch procedures to safeguard anonymity while ensuring a rapid response.
Council members asked whether a baby box would create recurring staffing burdens. The fire representative said temporary backfill and mutual aid from neighboring departments could be used but acknowledged long-term staffing would need to be addressed. One council member said she was initially opposed but had changed her view after reviewing safety data and grant terms.
The chair summarized the outcome: if a majority of council agrees, the fire chief and Captain Caballero may pursue the state grant to procure and install the box; any installation would be coordinated with the fire department and proceed only if staffing and operational concerns can be managed. No appropriation for equipment or ongoing operations was approved at the April 21 meeting; the grant would fund installation if awarded.
Council members said they would return to the item for final approval after staff provide implementation details, including operational procedures, mutual-aid plans and any ongoing cost estimates.
