Cop Who Just Graduated from Academy Helps Deliver Newborn on Side of Highway During Storm

Not everyone gets to deliver a baby on the job — but one rookie New York police officer did.

Officer Jonathan Verity had just graduated from the police academy when he and two other officers responded to a 911 call about an "active labor" a few days later, on Monday, March 24, in Shirley, N.Y., according to a press release from the Suffolk County Police Department.

The department said Verity and Officers Joseph Lacey and Brendan Nappi helped a 37-year-old woman deliver a healthy baby girl on the side of a highway amid an ongoing storm at the time.

“Happy Birthday, little one!” the Suffolk County Police wrote in a celebratory post on Facebook on Tuesday. “Three Seventh Precinct officers helped welcome a healthy, happy baby girl on Monday evening in a car on the side of Sunrise Highway.”

According to the police, the baby was born in a Honda Accord during a “heavy rain” storm along the shoulder of Sunrise Highway. The mother, from Mastic Beach, and her "healthy baby girl" were then transported to the Stony Brook University Hospital by ambulance.

The officers made sure to stop by with gifts in hand. In the photo posted on Facebook, the three heroes can be seen standing in the hospital lobby with gifts. They brought along a stuffed animal with a pink “It’s a Girl!” balloon and a bouquet of flowers. 

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“The day was particularly special for Officer Verity, who graduated from the Suffolk County Police Academy just last week,” the police wrote, adding that the mother and her newborn "are doing well."

“Congratulations to the happy family!” the department concluded.

People were quick to commend the officers for assisting the mother and baby. “Great job for a newbie out in the field. Plus, the other 2 officers who assisted,” wrote one Facebook user. “You all are amazing! Stay safe and blessed.”

“Thank you all for your service,” wrote another.