Firefighters Reunite With Baby They Helped Deliver in a Family’s Front Yard

Two firefighters in South Carolina recently reunited with a baby boy they helped deliver during an emergency call earlier this summer.

The baby, Cooper Kingrey, was born in the front yard of his family’s home in Greenville after his mother, Anna Kingrey, went into labor and realized she would not make it to the hospital in time. Her husband, Bryan Kingrey, called 911 for help.

Greenville police officers arrived first, followed shortly by a Greenville Fire Department crew. Among them were Fire Specialist Daniel Pronk and Firefighter Dan Wilder, who helped Anna through the delivery.

The firefighters had to assist with the birth outside the home rather than in a hospital. City officials said Pronk and Wilder provided calm instructions and medical assistance throughout the unexpected delivery.

The emergency call was very different from a normal delivery. Anna was already in labor, and there was not enough time to reach the hospital before Cooper was born.

Three months later, the firefighters received an opportunity they rarely get: they were able to meet the baby they had helped deliver.

The Kingrey family visited the Greenville fire station this week with Cooper and his older siblings. The firefighters saw the newborn again, this time as a healthy three-month-old baby.

Anna said her family was extremely grateful to the two firefighters. She explained that their calm manner during the frightening situation helped the family trust them while she was giving birth.

For Pronk and Wilder, the reunion was also meaningful because emergency responders often leave a call without knowing what happens to the people they helped.

“Usually, when we leave a call, we don’t know what happens after,” the firefighters said. Seeing Cooper and his family doing well gave them a rare opportunity to see the outcome of that emergency call.

The family also took photographs during the visit, documenting the unusual connection between the firefighters and the baby whose first moments of life they helped deliver.

What began as an unexpected emergency call ultimately became a memorable reunion three months later, with Cooper meeting the two firefighters who were there when he entered the world.

Sources:
WRDW – S.C. parents reunite with rescuers who delivered baby in yard
FOX Carolina – Greenville family reunites with firefighters who delivered baby