Fancy Powell, holding her newborn Jasai, and Daquan Webb, are surrounded by the FDNY members who delivered her baby in Harlem. (L to R in uniform) EMT Andrew Huyett, FF Edwin Dowling, FF Chris Schickler, FF Jermaine Martin, Lt. Brian Larkin and FF William Vanname.

Jasai Victoria Webb made a very surprising and dramatic debut in Harlem on May 6. The baby girl was delivered at home by FDNY firefighters and EMTs.

And just hours later, the newborn, her parents and the FDNY members were reunited in the maternity ward at Metropolitan Hospital Center.

“Once we got there and we saw mom was ready to go, we knew we had to get our game on,” said Firefighter Edwin Dowling from Engine 35. “I didn’t have time to think, just react.”

Members received the call for a woman in labor at 10:46 p.m. When they arrived, they saw a 20-year-old pregnant woman, Fancy Powell, lying on the couch and in a great deal of pain.

Firefighters from Engine 35 and the EMTs said they quickly realized they would not have time to transport Ms. Powell to the hospital, so Firefighter Downing assisted the new mother with her delivery in the apartment. EMT Gary Tomas then clamped the cord and EMT Andrew Huyett suctioned.

“All our training came into place and everything went really smoothly,” said EMT Huyett.

EMT Andrew Huyett (left) and FF Edwin Dowling (right) with new mom Fancy Powell and her daughter Jasai. The members of Engine 35 presented the newborn with a tiny Engine 35 t-shirt.
 

Firefighter Dowling presented Jasai with a tiny Engine 35 t-shirt and flowers. The grateful mother and father, Dequan Webb, thanked the FDNY members for their assistance and proudly showed off their 7 pound, 9 ounce, bundle of joy - who was due on Mother’s Day.

“Everything happened so quickly, I was nervous and in a whole lot of pain,” Ms. Powell joked. “I guess she just didn’t want to wait until May 10.”