RACINE, Wis. (WSAW/Gray News) – “A newborn was safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box for the first time in Wisconsin state history.

According to officials, the baby was placed in the Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire department in Racine on Oct. 16.

Division Chief Joshua Weber said in the release obtained by the Racine County Eye that the infant was in good health and immediately cared for by on-duty firefighters.

The baby was taken to the hospital for an evaluation and then placed in the custody of Child Protective Services….

Officials say the National Safe Haven Crisis Line has assisted in more than 175 handoff surrenders and 66 baby box surrenders nationwide.”

Editor’s note: As was announced in a Whitewater Banner article, a baby box was installed in the Whitewater Fire Department building in June of 2025.

According to State Statute 48.195, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn, under 72 hours old, anonymously and without fear of prosecution in a newborn infant safety device, or with a law enforcement officer, EMS provider, or hospital staff member. This life-saving resource allows a parent in crisis to legally accomplish this surrender anonymously. The Safe Haven Baby Box is equipped with alarm systems and climate control to ensure a rapid response from trained personnel and the health and safety of the surrendered infant.

If you are a parent in crisis, you can call or text 1-866-99BABY1 to reach the National Safe Haven Crisis Line.