The holidays are a time to count our blessings and appreciate those who have made a difference in our lives. For League City resident Kidist Fitehaweke and her family, they are grateful this holiday season for the kindness and support of League City Police Officer Jose Ortega.
October 3, 2018 is a day Kidist will never forget. She was 38 weeks pregnant with her second child, a daughter named Raeye, when she unexpectedly went into labor at her League City home while her husband was out of town traveling for business.
"I decided to take a quick shower, but noticed I was in so much pain,” she said. “I called my neighbor to drive me to the hospital, but the pain was coming so fast that I knew that if I got inside her car, I was going to have the baby on the floor."
Kidist’s neighbor called 911 and soon LCPD Officer Jose Ortega arrived on the scene.
"I already had my gloves on and was ready to assist, so I started encouraging her to start pushing," said Ortega.
Ortega remained calm throughout the delivery and within a few minutes, Kidist delivered an 8 lbs.11oz. baby girl on the dining room floor.
"Everything happened so quick but in slow motion at the time,” said Ortega. “I held the baby until EMS arrived, and we were able to get her and her mother safely to the hospital."
A year later, Officer Ortega and Kidist still keep in contact with each other. Ortega and his family recently attended Raeye's first birthday party.
Kidist is thankful for the League City Police Department and to Officer Ortega for bringing her daughter safely into the world.
"It was definitely a special moment, and I look forward to having a friendship with the family," said Ortega.
Watch more of this story in the video below.