By Rob Jennings
nj.com
SPARTA, N.J. — Baby Millie arrived with a stellar sense of winter timing.
She was born Monday night in her parents’ parked car at the start of a wicked New Jersey snowstorm — with a key assist from Sparta Police Officer Christopher Botta and several others on the shoulder of Route 15.
Millie was doing well at home with her parents Friday, according to Sparta police.
She also received perhaps her first invitation— to a reunion.
“We wanted to congratulate Millie’s parents, Tyler, and Stephanie on the birth of their baby girl and hope that they will come visit us at the station in the future,” Sparta Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said.
Botta was on patrol at 8:50 p.m. Monday when he responded to the call from the vehicle on Route 15 South in Sparta in Sussex County, near the border with Jefferson in Morris County, police said.
“Officer Botta observed the baby’s head crowning and proceeded to ensure the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby’s neck. After confirming everything appeared normal, seconds later, Stephanie delivered the baby girl into Officer Botta’s hands,” police said.
Millie began crying and appeared in good health, police said.
Additional patrols arrived on the scene and assisted with monitoring Millie and her mother until the Sparta First Aid Squad arrived, police said.
“Due to the cold and snowy weather conditions, Millie and Stephanie were wrapped in blankets to ensure everyone stayed warm. Soon after, Stephanie and Millie were ultimately transported to the Morristown Medical Center,” police said.
McCarrick praised Botta and three other Sparta officers who responded — Sgt. Robert Fraser, Officer Erick Finley and Officer Alyse Brown — for their “quick actions, compassion, professionalism, and protection from bad weather conditions and highway traffic during this unforgettable experience.”
“As the chief I am very proud of my officers for taking this call to action with using their training and teamwork to help bring a beautiful little girl, Millie, into this world,” he said.
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