A retired Colorado Springs firefighter who delivered a baby on an emergency call in 2004 has driven 800 miles to watch her graduate from Grand Canyon University 22 years later.
Huddle graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix with a degree in educational studies, with Kent watching from the audience, according to Arizona’s Family. Kent delivered her 22 years earlier in Colorado Springs.
“It just means the world to me that I have so many people here to support and celebrate me in this big life moment,” Huddle said.
Kent responded to a medical call at the family’s home on Feb. 15, 2004.
“As we approached the scene, we got out, we heard Stacy upstairs screaming,” Kent said. “I was like, I think we’re going to have a baby.”
Stacy is Huddle’s mother. Minutes later, the baby was born.
“Alan was the first person to hold me and we’ve had a special bond ever since,” Huddle said.
Kent had delivered babies before. What turned this one into a 22-year friendship was a visit from Stacy and the newborn to the fire station soon after the birth.
“Stacy, after the birth of Chloe, stopped by the station. You know, to show us baby Chloe. And we started making a connection and Stacy wanted that connection to continue,” Kent said.
They made a pact. Huddle would spend her birthdays at the fire station, and Kent would attend her major life milestones.
“Since I’m retired, I’ve got a little bit of time. But even if I wasn’t retired, I wouldn’t miss this,” Kent said.
Kent worked as a firefighter and paramedic for decades before retiring.
“In our line of work, you know, we don’t usually have all the time good things happen,” he said. “To have something as great as this was, and then to continue out throughout the years to watch her grow, that’s been that connection, that bond throughout the years.”
Huddle is engaged to be married this summer. Kent plans to attend that ceremony as well.
