If there’s one truth that new Ottawans learn quickly, it’s to stay away from Highway 174 if you’re in a hurry to get anywhere.
Young parents Jeremie and Kaitlyn faced that Ottawa truth on their way to hospital Friday for the delivery of their baby son.
It became obvious that the 174 was determined to slow them down as they were heading to the hospital while Kaitlyn was in active labour. Quickly, the pair realized they would not make it there in time for the birth.
Then, like a mirage in the desert, Papa Jeremie spotted an Ottawa Police Service cruiser near the Montreal Road exit of the highway in Orléans.
Dad started waving furiously.
“I was flagged down by Dad on the 174 (and) he told me that his wife felt the baby’s head,” Const. Nicolas said in an OPS release.
“I immediately escorted them off the highway and was told that the baby was out.”
Nicolas then called in “Sgt. Charron” for backup. The officers combined to keep Jeremie and Kaitlin covered and the tiny hitchhiker safe until Ottawa paramedics took over.
“It was a very unique and surreal moment I will remember for the rest of my career,” Nicolas said.
Moments like this don’t come around often in policing, which makes them all the more memorable, OPS noted in a social-media message.
The force offered congratulations, punctuated with the blue heart logo often used in police communication, good and bad.
“Welcome to the world, Baby Jack!
“Kaitlyn — you did an excellent job! Jack’s big sister can’t wait to welcome him home.”
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