Quick-thinking officers help deliver baby in station car park

Police officers returning from a routine morning were thrown into action when a man flagged them down, as his wife was giving birth in their car.

Two Queensland police officers have been praised for their quick-thinking and calm under pressure after helping deliver a baby boy in the car park of their Deception Bay police station.

Constables Jacob Pennisi and Philippe Stigner were returning from morning call-outs around 9.20am on March 1 when they were flagged down by Nathaniel Pedler, who urgently needed help.

Constables Jacob Pennisi and Philippe Stigner were returning from morning callouts when they were flagged down by Nathaniel Pedler, whose wife Julie was in labour. Photo: Queensland Police Service

Mr Pedler’s wife, Julie, was in the final stages of labour and the couple had pulled into the station knowing they wouldn’t make it to hospital in time.

Constable Stigner stepped in to assist with the delivery, relaying instructions from a triple-0 operator who guided them through the process.

Less than five minutes later, baby Blake was born.

Nathaniel and Julie Pedler with their two children, baby Blake and Heidi. Photo: Queensland Police Service

Constable Pennisi said hearing the baby’s first cries brought instant relief.

“The call operator asked us to get a towel to wrap up the baby and to keep both mum and baby warm,” Constable Pennisi said.

“We found a towel in the back of the car, wrapped the baby up and the paramedics came about five minutes later.

“It all happened very fast. We definitely didn’t expect to be involved with a birth that day, but that’s the thing about this job, every day is different, every call out is unique.”

Constables Philippe Stigner and Jacob Pennisi with Nathaniel and Julie Pedler and their two children, baby Blake and Heidi.

The Pedler family recently returned to the Deception Bay station to thank the officers in person.

Mrs Pedler said she had been caught off guard by how quickly her labour progressed and appreciated the police for stepping in.

“It was all very quick on the day, it was nice to have the help of the police,” she said.

On Sunday, the Queensland Police Service wished Mrs Pedler a very special Mother’s Day, filled with “newborn cuddles and smiles”.