Newborn Baby Dropped Off at San Bruno Fire Station

SAN BRUNO, CA- An infant was safely surrendered this week at a local fire station, police report.

According to the San Bruno Police Department, the baby was brought to Station 52 on Earl Avenue around 5:44 a.m. Wednesday.

"The infant appeared to be in good health, was treated by San Bruno firefighters, and was taken to a local hospital for examination," police said in a news release.

Under California's 'safe surrender' law, which went into effect ten years ago, parents and others with lawful custody of a newborn can surrender a child within the first 72 hours of his or her birth-- without facing any charges and no questions asked.

According to the California Department of Social Services, 770 newborn babies were surrendered in the state between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2015. Eighty-four of those babies were surrendered in 2015 alone.

"San Mateo County guarantees that there is always a safe place to leave your newborn, 24 hours a day / seven days a week," police said. "If for any reason you are unable to keep or care for your baby, you can safely leave your newborn infant up to three (3) days old at ANY hospital emergency room or full-time fire station in San Mateo County."

Police also stated the following regarding the law:

• You do not have to answer any questions or give your name if you do not wish to
• No charges will be filed against you
• Trained professionals will make sure your baby gets medical care and an adoptive home
• If you change your mind within 14 days, your baby will be returned to you, if you can provide a safe home

Anyone seeking more information can call the San Mateo County Human Services Agency at (650) 802-7922 or visit http://hsa.smcgov.org/safe-surrender-baby-info.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone.