Gloversville firefighters put out fire after delivering Christmas baby

GLOVERSVILLE – Members of the Gloversville Fire Department made a couple of huge differences this holiday weekend. Not only did they respond to an apartment fire, they helped bring in a new life to the world.

This all started on Christmas around 8 a.m. A couple of firefighters were dispatched to a home where a woman was having contractions. When they arrived, they heard the woman yelling, saying the baby was coming. Anthony Schonfarber and Phlander Hart were the two firefighters who responded.

They had a pediatrics bag and an OB kit. They relied on their training and together delivered the baby boy.

Early Sunday morning around 3 a.m., they also responded to a fire on South Main Street. The fire was minor, but the firefighters were able to get there quickly and knock it down before it escalated.

Both Schonfarber and Hart say they will never forget those 24 hours they were working.

"When we had moments where we were able to deliver a baby, which I’ve never done before, which is crazy, it feels really good honestly," said Schonfarber. "Being able to get to someone’s house in time because we’re within the vicinity, close in the city and put it out, and being able to save the structure is very rewarding."

Both Schonfarber and Hart say they never delivered a baby before until Christmas. The baby and the mom were taken to the hospital. NewsChannel 13 is told they are doing well.