Safe Haven Baby Box Used To Save A Life
October 21, 2026, 9:15 p.m.

KNOXVILLE - The Knoxville Fire Department has confirmed that a healthy newborn was safely surrendered at our Safe Haven Baby Box located at Station 17, 4804 Western Avenue.

On the evening of October 20, 2026, the department received an alert from the Safe Haven Baby Box system indicating that an infant had been placed inside. Firefighters immediately responded, opened the secure compartment, and found a newborn baby who appeared to be in excellent health.

The infant was promptly evaluated on-scene and transported to the hospital for a full medical check-up. The baby is currently under the care of hospital staff. This is the third baby that has been surrendered to this Safe Haven Baby Box. Under Tennessee's Safe Haven law, a parent or guardian may anonymously and safely surrender a newborn up to 45 days old at designated locations-including approved Safe Haven Baby Boxes- without fear of prosecution, provided the child is unharmed. The box provides a climate-controlled, secure environment with immediate notification to first responders, ensuring the infant receives prompt care.

The Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments like this. Thanks to this technology, the newborn is safe and in good hands.

Thank you to the Craig Family for their donation and support of the Baby Box. Thank you to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, hospital staff, and our first responders for their efforts to ensure the health and safety of this baby.

The Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in Knoxville on February 17th 2023 with funding assistance from the Craig Foundation. This Baby Box was the first in Tennessee, and this is the third time it has been used since its installation. This resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at Fire Station 17 and is entirely anonymous for any parent who needs a place to turn in a time of crisis.

For more information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Tennessee's Safe Haven law, or available community resources for parents in crisis, please visit www.shbb.org.