Local 911 dispatcher awarded for helping deliver caller's baby

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- Van Buren County Central Dispatch operator Alison Dean was honored with the Stork Award after she helped a caller successfully deliver a healthy baby boy back in September.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the call came in from a South Haven man who whose wife was in active labor. 

"Dispatcher Alison Dean quickly processed the information from the caller and determined that the child's birth was imminent," the sheriff's office said. "She was able to provide medical protocols to assist the caller in the delivery of their child. During the course of the 911 call, a healthy baby boy was delivered with the assistance of Dispatcher Dean."

Dean was presented with the Stork Award on Nov. 14 for helping in the delivery.

"Your professionalism, calm demeanor, and clear actions were key factors in a smooth delivery of a new life. Not to be overlooked was your own sense of excitement to be part of this significant event for this young family and newborn boy," said Sheriff Abbott. "All too often, dispatchers don't get the recognition they deserve, so it's always nice to be able to present awards like this to them."