Southwest Oklahoma – On November 22, Trooper Tyler Shelby #619 was on patrol in southwest Oklahoma when he was asked to provide traffic control for an ambulance responding to a woman in labor.

He was only about a mile away when the call came in, so he headed to the scene immediately.

When he arrived, he found a Camaro pulled over with the passenger door open and the expectant mother seated inside. He approached to keep her calm and reassure her that the ambulance was close, but events unfolded faster than expected.

According to Trooper Shelby, the mother said, “The baby is coming!” and he replied, “Well, don’t push!,” but it was too late. Moments later, Trooper Shelby delivered his first baby, a boy named Finley. As he described it, “All I did was play catch.”

The ambulance arrived shortly after, and both mother and newborn were transported to the hospital to continue care from where Trooper Shelby had left off.

Troopers train to be prepared for anything at any time, including the basics of delivering a baby — a situation they hope to encounter rarely but are ready to handle when needed.

The message to the family expressed joy for them and gratitude that Trooper Shelby could be there in their moment of need, offering congratulations on the new arrival.

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