Maine mother reunites with firefighter who delivered her son 24 years ago
A Maine woman reunited with the firefighter who helped deliver her son on the side of a highway during the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2002. The two had not seen each other for 24 years until their recent meeting in 2026.
Why it matters
It serves as a human-interest story highlighting the long-term impact of first responders and the emotional connections formed during emergency situations.
A Maine mother who went into labour during a September 11 memorial service in 2002 has reunited with the firefighter who helped deliver her son on the side of a highway nearly a quarter of a century ago. Maddie Marks was attending a first anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Maine when she suddenly went into labour. As her husband drove her towards the hospital, her contractions became so strong and frequent that they had to pull over on the roadside and call for emergency help. Robert Shay Jr., then an active firefighter and emergency medical technician with the local fire department, responded to the call. He arrived within minutes and helped Marks deliver her son in the front seat of the vehicle before paramedics took the mother and newborn to a regional medical centre.
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