10 minutes into his very first shift New Haven probie delivers a baby

Yesterday (Wednesday) was Jack Erickson’s first day at the firehouse — Engine 15. The probationary firefighter didn’t have to wait long to see action. On his very first response as a member of the New Haven Fire Department Jack Erickson delivered a baby.

The call came just 10-minutes into Erickson’s shift.

Lt. Rob Balkun told Mary O’Leary at the New Haven Register that the decision was made to deliver the child in the Westville home. Lt Balkun said Erickson “did an awesome job.”

New Haven FD’s Engine 15 & Ladder 5 from Google Maps

Mary O’Leary, New Haven Register:

He said he was trained for this kind of emergency by Kenneth Oliver Jr., director of the EMS training for the New Haven Fire Department.

Erickson, 28, a Marine for five years, said he has taken the practical exam as an emergency medical technician and soon will take the written portion.

He said he had been working construction after he got out of the service and jumped at the opportunity to take the New Haven firefighter exam when he got the chance.