Cleveland/ Community & Society
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Published on October 08, 2024
Cleveland Firefighter Delivers Own Baby on Interstate 480 Ahead of Promotion to LieutenantSource: Google Street View

Kevin Hannum, a Cleveland firefighter, delivered his third child on the side of Interstate 480 just hours before being promoted to lieutenant. It was a whirlwind of a yesterday as Hannum's wife woke him up early in the morning with news that would set the tone for the day. "My wife woke me up at 5:30 this morning to tell me her water broke," Hannum recounted in a statement obtained by WKYC. The couple’s attempt to reach the hospital was halted as the baby could not wait, leading Hannum to deliver his daughter on the roadside safely.

As reported by Cleveland19, shortly after the birth, firefighters from Ladder 39 arrived with an OB kit, and EMS assisted with the mother and newborn's transport to the hospital. Despite the morning's intensity, both the mother and the 8-pound, 8-ounce baby Mabel are reported to be healthy and resting comfortably. Later that morning, Hannum, not one to shirk his duties, transitioned from the role of impromptu midwife to that of an honoree as he was officially promoted within the Cleveland Division of Fire.

The promotion ceremony at Cleveland Public Hall was also notable for Ghadi Cole, who ascended to battalion chief. Just sixteen months prior, Cole faced a life-changing ordeal. "I'm just hoping this is an inspiration for other people that might find themselves in a very, very similar situation that, you know, something absolutely horrific happened to you, but sometimes you can find a way to rise up through the ashes and learn to fly again," Battalion Chief Cole said in a heartfelt reflection during an interview with WKYC. He has made a commendable comeback from his injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, which had left him paralyzed.