2 Infants Found Abandoned at Shawnee Fire Station

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Newborn twins were discovered abandoned in a laundry basket in the back of a pick up truck in the parking lot of a Shawnee fire station, according to police.

According to a Shawnee police report, the infant boy and girl were found with small rubber bands around their umbilical cords.

Captain Mike VanAmpwerp was one of the firefighters on duty when the twins were first found.

"I've dealt with a lot of things, but nothing just like this," VanAmpwerp said.

VanAmpwerp, who is a father to twins himself, said he along with the other firefighters quickly began to check the health of the babies.

"We got them out, checked them out. They seemed to be healthy and doing well. Cleaned them up, all of us pitched in," VanAmpwerp said.

A note that appeared to have been written by the babies' mother was also found with the twins stating, "Take care of my babies, I'm poor and can't do it."

"At least she made an effort to get them to a safe place and make sure they would be taken care of and looked after," said Corporal Dan Shumaker, a spokesperson with the Shawnee Police Department.

According to state statute, a parent may surrender a child no more than 7-days-old to a medical service provider or to a designated person at a police station, fire station, hospital or child protective services agency without fear of prosecution.

Based on the belief that the babies are newborns, police said they don't believe the mother committed any crime. However, all records will be passed on to the District Attorney's office who will ultimately determine if the mother will face prosecution.

"She obviously didn't want for them to be lost and forgotten. She wanted them to be found and cared for. Wherever she's at, I hope she's doing well," VanAmpWerp said.

Shortly after being found, the babies were taken to Unity North Hospital to be checked out. Police said the babies appear healthy and are in stable condition.

The babies have been placed in DHS custody.