City of Knoxville, TN
03/06/2026 | News release | Archived content
Healthy Newborn Safely Surrendered at KFD Station 17
On March 6, 2026, Knoxville Fire Department confirmed that a healthy newborn was safely surrendered at the Safe Haven Baby Box located at Station 17 on Western Avenue.
Early that morning, 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 Children's Hospital for a full medical check-up. The baby is reported to be doing well and is currently under the care of hospital staff.
"At the time of installation, we said if just one life was saved from this box-it would be worth it," said Mayor Indya Kincannon. "This is the second baby surrendered to the KFD Safe Haven Baby Box, and it's a relief to know this resource is in our city."
This is the second infant safely surrendered at this location since the box was installed on Feb. 17, 2023, with funding assistance from the Craig Foundation. The Safe Haven Baby Box remains operational 24/7 at Fire Station 17 and is available to anyone in need.
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 secure, climate-controlled 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, healthy and in good hands.
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.
Early that morning, 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 Children's Hospital for a full medical check-up. The baby is reported to be doing well and is currently under the care of hospital staff.
"At the time of installation, we said if just one life was saved from this box-it would be worth it," said Mayor Indya Kincannon. "This is the second baby surrendered to the KFD Safe Haven Baby Box, and it's a relief to know this resource is in our city."
This is the second infant safely surrendered at this location since the box was installed on Feb. 17, 2023, with funding assistance from the Craig Foundation. The Safe Haven Baby Box remains operational 24/7 at Fire Station 17 and is available to anyone in need.
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 secure, climate-controlled 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, healthy and in good hands.
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.
City of Knoxville, TN published this content on March 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 11, 2026 at 14:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]