Firefighters break policy to uphold oath to protect lives, enter violent situation, and save newborn baby
The Dallas Fire Department enacted a new policy in August that stated firefighters were to wait a safe distance away for police to arrive on the scene of violent crimes after firefighters were chased by a man with a knife after responding to an urgent domestic violence call.
However, on Sunday night, firefighters made the decision to go against the new policy to uphold an oath they took to save lives.
They had to decide to enter an area where there might be an active-shooter situation to save two victims who were shot without police at the scene. One of the victims was 21-year-old Delashon Jefferson, who was eight months pregnant.
Jefferson got into an argument with Lagarius Rainey, 25, who accused her of infidelity, according to an arrest affidavit. When the fight turned physical, family members attempted to break it up, and then Rainey allegedly took out a gun and shot Jefferson and another person who was at the home.
Firefighters rushed into the house and found Jefferson’s mother, Sharon Jefferson, holding her daughter, Dallas station WFAA reports.
“They took a gamble because they knew that someone had been shot and needed help and needed help quickly,” said Jim McDade, president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association. According to McDade, the firefighters knew they could make a difference.
Jefferson was transported to the hospital but did not survive her injuries, the arrest affidavit said. But firefighters were able to ensure that her baby girl would make it — she was delivered one month early by emergency C-section at the hospital.
According to Sharon Jefferson, the baby is a miracle. “Because her mama passed away, and they saved her,” she said. The baby was named after her mother, WFAA reports.
Firefighters were also able to save the other individual who was shot, who is in stable condition, according to the arrest affidavit.
Rainey was charged with murder and is currently in custody at Dallas County Jail. His bond is set at $350,000.
The Dallas Fire Department did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
