On March 30, 2014 at approximately 8:59am, Cranford Police officers were called to 85 James Avenue on a reported pregnant woman who had passed out. First to arrive on scene was Officer Nelson Hearns, a veteran officer with over 11 years of patrol experience. Once at the residence, he found Jody Copier, age 31, who was awake and in labor. Copier’s husband Scott Kraft was also present at the scene.
Hearns immediately moved to assist and saw that the baby’s feet were presenting first in an imminent breech birth, a rare and potentially life threatening delivery presentation. Hearns drew on his years of experience to reassure and position Jody while using a towel and supporting the baby during the delivery. Kace Kraft was born at 9:11am, weighing in at 4 pounds 1 ounce. Cranford First Aid Squad personnel and an advanced life support unit from the Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corporation arrived with moments of the birth.
The family was transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, NJ) by first aid personnel. According to Scott Kraft, both mother and child are doing well. The couple has since decided to recognize Hearn’s efforts by giving Kace the middle name Nelson.
Officer Hearns was excited to assist with the birth and happy that Kace will share his name. “It’s an honor and a blessing,” he stated, “to be part of something special in their lives.”
Cranford Police Chief James Wozniak had plenty of well wishes for the family and praise for his officer. “This is a great job all around, and I’m thrilled that the result is a happy, healthy baby boy. This is the kind of thing my officers train for,” he noted, “but it is still rewarding to see the actions of a Cranford police officer having a positive impact on someone’s life. I’m incredibly proud of Officer Hearns and everyone else who was present.”
