Nationwide — Kashanna Legette, an African American mother from New York City, went into labor before she could reach the hospital. Nearby police officers helped deliver her baby, and she later honored one of them by giving her daughter his name as a middle name.
Legette’s daughter, Zanovia, was eager to arrive on February 13. Kashanna barely made it outside her building before going into labor. “I have to go downstairs to try to get to the hospital. Then I didn’t make it to the hospital,” she recalled, describing the moment as a blur of fear and urgency.
According to WLBT, several officers on patrol arrived quickly after she called for help. Officer Katerin Villar checked her contractions and realized the baby was coming fast. Other officers supported Legette, holding her hand and reminding her to breathe as the delivery unfolded.
Officer Keanu Phillip, who is soon to be a father, said he acted as he would for his own family. Officer Roddmy Remy even took off his jacket to swaddle Zanovia. Legette was so touched by this gesture that she gave her daughter Remy’s name as her middle name. “That was beautiful,” she said, praising his care and kindness.
Remy was surprised and honored by the gesture. “When I went back to the hospital to pick up my jacket and the mom told me the name, and I was, I was in shock, and the first thing I did, I’m like, ‘Can I take a picture with you because this is probably the coolest thing that’s gonna happen in my career,’” he said.
The officers had been assigned to a crime-prevention post but reached Legette before other first responders. Their quick action turned a potentially dangerous situation into a safe and unforgettable moment for both mother and baby.