MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The McKenzie Fire Department has installed a Safe Haven baby box at its station, adding an option for mothers in crisis to legally surrender a newborn.
Fire Chief Brian Tucker said the idea originated with Battalion Chief Jason Arnold.
Arnold explained that he began researching Safe Haven after seeing it on the news.
“I saw it as a win-win for the community,” he said. “If it’s used, it’s a win, if it’s not, it’s a win.”
Under Tennessee law, fire departments are recognized as safe surrender points. Tucker said that designation alone wasn’t enough.
“In order to be a safe haven, we have to install something like this,” Tucker said.
The department spent roughly a year working toward the project. Fundraising began in early 2025, and by December the department had raised just over $15,000. The amount they raised covered the entire cost.
“The City’s not out a penny,” Tucker said.
Donations came largely through outreach to local churches and civic organizations, as well as a Facebook campaign with a link for personal contributions.
Local contractor Greg Barker donated his time to complete the installation.
Tucker said the department is still in the early stages of getting logistics in place before the box goes into service.
Firefighter Mikayla Vincent said the device addresses a real barrier for mothers in crisis.
“How many moms feel unequipped, and then they’re too scared of a police station or fire department,” Vincent said.
Arnold noted that the McKenzie box fills a geographic gap, with the nearest previously existing boxes being in Jackson or Murray.
Once installation is fully complete, Safe Haven Baby Boxes will send representatives for a blessing day when the box officially goes into service. Tucker said the department plans to involve local churches and make it a community event.
“If it saves one child,” Tucker said, “it was worth everything that we’ve done to get it here.”
