SPECIAL DELIVERY

When Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Cody Gibson responded to a medical emergency near Highway 49 and Meadow Vista Drive in Oakhurst, he had no idea he was about to help bring a new life into the world.

Deputy Gibson, upon arrival that day, found an expectant mother in active labor.

With the nearest hospital at least 45 minutes away, MCSO said this week, it was clear this about-to-be-newborn baby girl wasn’t going to wait.

With emergency medical services still en route, Gibson jumped into action and began assisting with the birth. Sierra Ambulance EMT Mariah Vogel arrived shortly after and helped safely complete the delivery of a healthy baby girl.

That was on Aug. 21. But the story doesn’t end there.

On Sept. 2, Deputy Gibson had a chance to reunite with the family: mom Katelyn Gray, dad Dar Williams and baby Kora Evalynn, the little girl he helped deliver.

The experience for Gibson was a special reminder of why he chose a career in law enforcement:.

“Getting to meet Kora and knowing she will grow up in a community that I protect and serve makes me proud to be a deputy sheriff in Madera County,” Gibson said.

“Our deputies never know what the next call will bring, but sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t about making arrests or fighting crime,” officials with the sheriff’s department said. “They’re about being there for our community during life’s most important moments.”