Firefighter and Wife Struggled to Have Kids, Then Newborn Was Left Behind in ‘Safe Haven’ Box at His Job (Exclusive)

In a heartwarming tale from Belen, New Mexico, fireman Chris Martinez and his wife Janae received an unexpected blessing when they became first-time parents through their local fire department’s “safe haven” programme. The couple faced significant hurdles in their journey to parenthood, battling infertility for over 15 years. Their lives took a dramatic turn on 6 February 2024, when a young woman made the difficult decision to surrender her newborn at the fire station under the programme designed for mothers in crisis.

Chris, a lieutenant at the Belen Fire Department, was on duty when he responded to a structure fire. Following the incident, another lieutenant alerted him that a baby had been found in the newly installed safe haven box outside the station. Despite it being several hours since the baby had been left, the child, identified later as Mikel “Mikey” Martinez, was in distress when discovered.

“I knew from the moment I saw him I wanted to be his dad,” Chris shared, reflecting on the overwhelming emotions of the moment. The firemen quickly administered oxygen and warmth to the infant before he was taken to the hospital, where he spent nearly two months in intensive care battling pneumonia, fluid in his lungs, and other medical complications.

Chris and Janae, both of whom are 41, visited Mikey daily, determined to ensure he never felt alone. Recently certified as foster parents, they were overjoyed to keep Mikey with them during the lengthy adoption process. However, navigating New Mexico’s legal system proved challenging; the law mandated that biological parents must identify themselves, even if they had surrendered their child through a safe haven. As a result, the couple faced an emotionally taxing year as they anxiously awaited news of Mikey’s biological family.

In the absence of any relatives stepping forward, the couple endured multiple court appearances, during which Mikey was wrongly referred to as “Baby Boy Doe” in legal documents. “It was hard, people not calling him by his name. He’s not a nobody; he’s somebody. He’s a Martinez,” Janae expressed, highlighting their determination to ensure Mikey’s spirit was known.

Finally, on 10 March 2025, the adoption process culminated in a joyful celebration attended by family and friends, signifying the moment the couple had longed for — becoming an official family. “We finally got to rest and officially be a family,” Janae said, underscoring the significance of the day.

Despite their newfound happiness, the couple felt compelled to advocate for changes in New Mexico’s adoption laws, as they encountered outdated protocols that conflicted with the purpose of the safe haven programme. Currently, a bill introduced by state Senator David Gallegos aims to protect the anonymity of mothers surrendering their children, though discussions around it have yet to progress.

“We thank the mother so much for making the bravest decision,” Janae stated, reflecting on the selflessness of the baby’s mother and recognising the newborn would not have thrived without her choice. “Just knowing that if he was not placed in that box — where would he be right now?” she added, pondering the gravity of the situation.

As they enjoy the ordinary joys of family life, Chris, now a dedicated father, embraces the transition from a life once dominated by work. Janae, who continues to work in radio, echoes her husband’s sentiments, stating their focus has shifted to fully enjoying every moment with Mikey, rather than being consumed by work-related pressures.

Looking ahead, the couple expresses excitement for the future. With Chris planning to retire from firefighting in a few years and Janae considering her options, they are eager to prioritise family time in their lives. They hope to continue fostering children while nurturing the bond they’ve built with Mikey.

This inspirational journey of the Martinez family serves not only as a testament to the power of hope and resilience but also highlights the pressing need for legislative reform to protect vulnerable families like their own.