Security officers in healthcare facilities each day must be prepared to deal with a host of potential emergencies and crises, from workplace violence to unruly visitors. While they receive training to handle such situations effectively, few officers are prepared to help with childbirth.
Lacey Gonzalez arrived at Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Center on March 8 with no time to spare, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Her baby was on the way. Gonzalez's husband dashed inside to get help and found Tiffany Owen, a security officer. Owen had trained for situations like this and, as a mother, knew about the experience of giving birth. That all kicked in as she helped Gonzalez stay calm and push. Owen helped Gonzalez deliver the baby in the drop-off/loading zone of HCMC's emergency department.
To honor the woman who caught their healthy baby girl, the Gonzalezes decided to name their daughter Tiffany, after Owen. The hospital gave Owen, who has worked at HCMC since July, a pink stork pin for her vest and an award that names her an honorary midwife.