Troopers Yenier Hurtado and Carlos Mesa helped a Lakewood couple deliver their baby on the side of the Garden state Parkway early this morning.
The expecting mother, who requested her name remain private, went into labor last night and was being driven to the hospital by her husband when it became apparent that the baby was not going to wait. The father-to-be parked their minivan on the right shoulder, called 911, and assisted his wife until troopers arrived.
When Trooper Hurtado arrived, the baby boy had just been delivered. He immediately removed his uniform shirt, wrapped the baby in it, and then handed him to his mother. While waiting for paramedics, troopers helped with other aspects of the birthing process.
When the paramedics arrived, the troopers assisted by attaching the clamps to the umbilical cord and Trooper Hurtado had the honor of cutting the cord and carrying the baby to the ambulance. Mother and baby were taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
The new parents expressed their appreciation for the assistance and attentiveness of the troopers, and were grateful for their presence. Mom and baby are at the hospital doing well, and the family is looking forward to privately celebrating the birth of their son.