Sea Isle City first responders help deliver first baby in city since 1977
SEA ISLE CITY, New Jersey -- First responders helped deliver the first baby born in Sea Isle City in New Jersey in more than 40 years.
It was supposed to be Joe and Jeanne Golato's last weekend away before baby number two came, and they wanted to spend some quality time with 3-year-old Briella before she became a big sister.
On Monday, January 27, the Golatos were in Sea Isle, and Jeanne was three weeks from her due date.
"She started having more pain, and within a half an hour, she was telling me to call 911," Joe Golato said. "I dropped to my knees because I could tell the baby was having trouble."
Police and EMTs were there within minutes.
"The dad comes running out and said he saw feet, so we know it's a little more serious than the normal transport to the hospital," Sea Isle Officer Steve Jankowski said.
Within five minutes of police and EMTs arriving, Jeanne delivered a healthy baby girl named Luciana.
"We had to get supplies to cut umbilical cords and everything in a natural delivery," Jankowski said. "We did it right there on the bedroom floor."
The heroism of the moment aside, it's also a rare occurrence for Sea Isle. With no hospital in town, a baby hasn't been born there since 1977. So the city honored both the family and first responders for helping make history.
"When the kids ask, 'Where were you born at?' 'Uhhhh, you were born at Gigi and Grandad's shore house in Sea Isle," Jeanne Golato said.
Baby Luciana has been at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point since she was born, but her parents say she'll get to come home any day now.
"I can't thank you guys enough for saving Luciana and myself," Jeanne Golato said of the first responders. "They'll be a part of our lives forever."
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