LYON TWP. (WXYZ) — Labor Day weekend has an extra special meaning for Lyon Township firefighters who labored over the weekend, thanks to the Brighton family baby so excited to be the highlight of 2020 he just couldn’t wait any longer.
Meet Nolan Kent Rodgers. He's 6 pounds 9 ounces, and 19 inches long. At just two days old and already a proactive go-getter who knows how to make an entrance.
“It puts a whole new meaning to Labor Day weekend,” says Lyon Township Firefighter EMT Alan Hamilton.
He was on duty Sunday afternoon while Nolan's parents were driving to Providence Hospital in Novi. That’s where they planned to meet their son, but on westbound I-96 Nolan made other plans.
“Dad was like OK, I gotta go and they pulled to the side of the road and called us right away,” Hamilton said.
It only took a few minutes for Engine 1 to reach Kent Lake Road where the Rodgers had pulled off of I-96 and Nolan was already there to greet them.
“They’re on the side of the road and she’s holding the baby in her arms saying," Hamilton said. "‘Hey, I just delivered my child! Little baby boy, he was crying so Mom and baby both were healthy and she was in good condition, good spirits for what just happened."
Hamilton and his partner cut the umbilical cord and examined mom and baby to ensure they were OK. It was a special experience that hit close to home.
“I have an 8-month-old at home," Hamilton said. "So I just went through all this with my wife.”
Hamilton’s wife was in labor for 24 hours before giving birth to their son Ryder James. In contrast, baby Nolan's mom was only in labor for a little over an hour.
“She was telling the husband, take pictures of this so we can show him when he gets older,” Hamilton said smiling.
Born at 1:50 p.m. Sunday, Nolan Kent Rodgers is named after the street on which he was born, Kent Lake Road.
“It’s not everyday you deliver one of your children on the side of the road on the way to the hospital,” Hamilton said.
Little Nolan is clearly a go-getter and maybe he knew that 2020 is in need of good stories to tell.
“When you can see life enter this world, it’s always an experience," Hamilton said. "Especially for the guys working who hadn’t experienced it before. It was a good thing for everyone to share.”
