Tricia Schmitz had about seven weeks left before her due date, but Hunter didn't want to wait any longer.
"My water hadn't even broke and there was a head," Schmitz said.
Authorities were called and the Fargo firefighters who responded quickly realized birth was imminent, said Capt. Clark Dietz.
They had trained for emergency births, but most firefighters responding had never even seen a live birth, Dietz said.
"It still takes a lot of us by surprise," he said.
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Despite complications, such as Hunter's umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck, the delivery was a success.
On Thursday, Schmitz introduced her healthy, nearly 10-month-old son to several firefighters involved in his delivery during the department's second annual commendation ceremony.
Six firefighters were honored with "Stork Awards" for delivering two babies. Those honored were Dietz and firefighters Jason Forness, David Conrad, Michael Ambrose, Matt Nelson and Jeffery Sprout.
Two residents were honored Thursday with White-Hartman awards for their actions that helped save the lives of a drowning boy and a man who collapsed.
Tom Holmstrom was honored for saving a 2½-year-old boy who was found floating in a pool at the Fargo Holiday Inn on May 31. Holmstrom grabbed the child and performed CPR, saving the child's life.
Jesse Cloose was honored for his quick response Jan. 11 when a 54-year-old collapsed at the YMCA during a workout class. Cloose used an automatic external defibrillator on the man.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Brittany Lawonn at (701) 241-5541
