FELLSMERE — When Paris Koblitz’s water broke, she knew it was only a matter of time before her daughter would be coming into the world – but she didn’t realize it would happen so quickly.
As her husband drove up Babcock from Palm Bay, headed to Holmes Regional, they realized they weren’t going to make it in time – they had to pull over.
“It was just blind luck,” Kurt Koblitz said of turning into the Husqvarna parking lot where off-duty Fellsmere Police Officer Dallas DuPont works part-time as a mechanic.
After some frantic shouts for help and a call to 911, DuPont went outside to investigate and found Kurt circling his vehicle – his wife’s screams could be heard.
That’s when Ofc. DuPont leapt into action, assisting Paris in the delivery of her daughter London, who began to crown just as Brevard Fire Rescue pulled up.
“We feel extremely blessed,” Paris said of having had Ofc. DuPont assist. She added that London will have an “extremely special” story to tell of her birth.
Ofc. DuPont’s actions were recognized during a Fellsmere City Council meeting, which the Koblitz family attended to share their appreciation.
“The manner in which you represented yourself and this organization was extraordinary and you are to be commended,” Police Chief Keith Touchberry said while presenting a commendation to Ofc. DuPont. “You are a credit to this profession and the community we serve.”
Mayor Susan Adams concurred.
“You represent us so well,” she said, on duty and off.
London was born on May 24, and Ofc. DuPont was scheduled to work at the Fellsmere Police Department that evening. He and his wife visited the Koblitzes in the hospital prior to going on duty to personally check on the family’s newest addition.
Kurt Koblitz told the Council that their officer was in the right place at the right time and that he helped to keep him calm and collected throughout the ordeal.
“Being in law enforcement isn’t always about fighting crime or keeping the community safe,” Ofc. DuPont said, addressing the Koblitzes and the Council. “It’s also about life preservation. This emergency was not only about life preservation, it was also about bringing a new life into one of our neighboring communities.”
Ofc. DuPont, who has been with Fellsmere Police since 2009, went on to say that, as an officer, he’s trained to be ready for any emergency – though this was not something he had anticipated.
“Never in my mind would I ever expect or dream of doing something like this,” he said, drawing chuckles from the audience. “I am happy I was in the right place at the right time to give help when help was in need.”