Beyond the Box: How Carmel Fire Department Became a Lifeline for Safe Haven Babies

At Carmel Fire Station #345, saving lives doesn’t just happen during fires or medical emergencies. In the first episode of Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey, Chief John Moriarty — also known as America’s Favorite Fire Chief — shares how his firehouse became part of the Safe Haven Baby Box program and how they’ve already helped save four newborns through it.

A Simple Box That Makes a Huge Difference

Chief Moriarty has been a firefighter for 43 years, dedicating his life to serving his community. But installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at Carmel Fire Station #345 opened the door to a whole new kind of life-saving work.

The baby box gives mothers a safe, legal, and anonymous way to surrender their newborns if they feel they can’t care for them. As soon as a baby is placed inside, the station’s firefighters get an alert and can respond right away.

It took 1,194 days — more than three years — before that alarm went off for the very first time. When it did, the entire station paused. Their first Safe Haven baby had arrived.

A Few Bumps Along the Way

Even with the best planning, not everything went smoothly at first. When they installed the baby box, they accidentally placed it too high on the wall.

Chief Moriarty didn’t miss a beat, joking, “If our firefighters can’t bend down to save a baby, they don’t belong in the fire service.”

The team quickly made the fix — and soon after, their first baby arrived, followed by three more.

A Press Conference That Changed a Life

One of the most unexpected and emotional moments came after a press conference where Chief Moriarty spoke about the baby box program.

A mother who had placed her baby in the box saw the press conference and was moved by how much the firefighters cared. Because of what she saw, she made the brave decision to return and reclaim her baby.

When she met Chief Moriarty, she told him, “The reason I chose Carmel Fire was because of your press conference.” Moments like this show how kindness and compassion can reach far beyond the firehouse.

Helping Babies Find Families Faster

This story also helped inspire important changes to Indiana’s Safe Haven law. With the passing of House Bill 345, babies surrendered through Safe Haven Baby Boxes can now be placed with adoptive families more quickly — helping babies find loving homes without delays.

Always Part of the Family

At Carmel Fire Station #345, these babies are never forgotten. The firefighters celebrate their birthdays and consider themselves lifelong supporters — even calling themselves the babies’ guardian angels.

As Chief Moriarty puts it: “Every baby gets a home.”

This story is a powerful reminder of how one simple idea — and the care of a dedicated team — can change countless lives.

Listen to the Full Story

To hear Chief Moriarty tell the full story, check out the first episode of Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Learn More About Safe Haven Baby Boxes
🔗 Carmel Fire Department
🔗 Indiana Safe Haven Law
🔗 He Knows Your Name Ministry