It started with a 911 call just after Midnight, December 4.
Caleb Bare, and fiancée Myranda McCoy were driving through rural Gibson County, 25 minutes away from the nearest hospital.
McCoy was experiencing precipitous delivery — meaning the baby was coming — ready or not.
The Sheriff’s Office has been calling it a “Christmas Miracle” — the child named Juniper delivered a mere few minutes after the 911 call came in.
The call was handled by Communications Officer Shannon Gibson. He directed the couple to the nearest Denny’s restaurant, instructed them to turn on their flashers.
Deputy Levi Sims was the closest and arrived before the EMTs. Shortly after arriving, McCoy was cradling Juniper while Sims “clamped” the umbilical cord with gauze.
Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven says in nearly 25 years, he can’t recall another such incident.
“We assist a lot whenever we respond with the emergency service personnel, but rarely are we the first ones on scene for a childbirth,” Vanover said. He mentioned the toll the job can take on law enforcement personnel, who can also face violence and death.
“It's so easy to see law enforcement succumb to post traumatic stress, succumb to suicide or to addiction," he said. "Instances like this, where they can bring in a life and be part of a miracle, is one of those things that pulls them out of the darkness and puts them back on the front lines. It's truly something supernatural.”
To hear shortened dispatcher audio of the incident, click below.
While many deputies have basic EMT training, Vanoven said it was Sims’ experience with his own two children that helped the most.
“I'm just super proud of Levi Sims, my deputy, and Shannon Gibson, who is the communication officer that was working that night.”
After delivery the family was taken to St. Vincent hospital, and everyone healthy.
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