His name is Knowland Shell Miller, a healthy 7 lb, 14 oz baby boy named after Oakland's Knowland Park. That's near where he was born, delivered by three Oakland police officers inside the family car at a Shell gas station. "It was a blessing for us as police officers to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time," Officer Charles Stone said.
"These three guys is always going to be a blessing, no matter what happens. You guys single-handedly, like I said, saved my son's life," Knowland's father Barry Miller said. Now four days old, Knowland was introduced to the officers who helped bring him into the world and in turn, they presented the infant with his first teddy bear.
Officer Jeffhry Cid, a former nursing assistant, took the lead on the delivery. "It's a surreal, happy moment and just one of the best moments and memories I'll ever have," he said.
Just after 7 p.m. Friday, Barry Miller pulled into the Shell station in a panic and ran into the store asking for help. His wife was in labor inside the car and there was no time to spare. "I really don't quite remember everything because I felt like I was dying and coming back like at least ten times. All I can say is I'm glad that they was there," Knowland's mother Kimberly said.
Everyone is aware that things could've turned out much differently had the police officers not been in the store at the time. "It was one of the most positive experiences if not the most positive experience of my police career. It was beautiful," Stone said.
Asked if he thought Knowland would be a little bit stronger by the way he came into the world Knowland's father said, "Definitely, most definitely. And, he's going to be a lot stronger."
