WARRNAMBOOL, VIC. — Two officers who helped bring a baby girl into the world on the side of a road near Warrnambool today reunited with the family after an unforgettable early-morning delivery last week.
Sergeant Liam Cook and Constable Angus Hill were patrolling the Princes Highway in Dennington when they detected a vehicle travelling slightly above the speed limit about 2.20am on Monday, October 19.
At first, officers thought they were dealing with a routine traffic intercept.
“When the door flew open, we both thought they were up to no good,” Sergeant Cook said.
“I remember thinking, ‘we’re on here’.”
However, moments later the situation took an unexpected turn.
Upon intercepting the vehicle, the male driver immediately got out and asked the officers a question they weren’t expecting: “Are you any good at catching babies?”
The officers quickly learned the driver’s partner, Jamie-Lee, was in labour and needed urgent medical assistance.
“As soon as we saw Jamie-Lee around the other side of the car, it was all hands-on deck,” Sergeant Cook said.
Police immediately requested an ambulance and gathered medical equipment and blankets while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
“I remember thinking paramedics can’t be far away and everything would be fine once they got there, but the baby had other ideas,” Sergeant Cook said.
Just 90 seconds later, the baby was born safely on the roadside.
“Once Jamie-Lee shouted that the baby was coming, I remember thinking, ‘this isn’t real’ and then, ‘this is really happening’,” he said.
Sergeant Cook was also able to deliver the exciting news that the family had welcomed a baby girl.
“It was the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
An ambulance arrived shortly after and transported the family to hospital, while Constable Hill drove the family vehicle closely behind to ensure their lift home was ready.
Upon dropping off their luggage, the officers were able to meet the baby girl, now named Ashlee, who was safe and well.
Sergeant Cook said while the initial moments were stressful, the overwhelming feeling was relief.
“Hearing the baby cry for the first time and knowing everything was okay was a feeling Angus and I will never forget,” he said.
He also praised both parents for remaining calm throughout the ordeal.
“Jamie-Lee did such an incredible job and really put her trust in us,” Sergeant Cook said.
“The same applies to Joel. He stayed cool and calm throughout the entire birth.”
The family are now recovering at home and will today reunite with the two officers for the first time since the remarkable roadside arrival.
“This is certainly a career highlight for both of us, I don’t think anything will ever top it,” Sergeant Cook said.
“We were simply fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to help out.”
