Local First Responders Honored by Family After Lifesaving Response for Newborn
- Steve Jurrens
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a season defined by gratitude, a local family returned to the Watertown Police Department last night to offer a personal thank you to the team of first responders who saved their newborn son’s life.
The Novak family met with the officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers who coordinated a high-stakes emergency response on November 28. The incident began with a 911 call reporting that a newborn, baby Killian, was not breathing.
A Coordinated Lifesaving Effort
The success of the call relied on a seamless chain of communication and action. Dispatchers provided immediate CPR instructions over the phone to the family while units were en route. Despite what officials described as challenging conditions, responding officers arrived quickly to take over lifesaving measures.
Watertown Fire Rescue paramedics arrived shortly after to continue advanced care. According to a statement from the Watertown Police Department, it was the “calm, quick, and coordinated actions” of the entire team that ensured Killian’s survival.
A Meaningful Reunion
The reunion provided a rare opportunity for the emergency personnel to see the long-term impact of their work. While first responders often handle crises and move on to the next call, the Novaks’ visit allowed a moment of reflection on the community’s close-knit nature.
“Moments like this remind us of the power of teamwork and compassion,” the Watertown Police Department shared in a public update. “Seeing the Novak family return to say ‘thank you’ was incredibly meaningful for everyone involved.”
The department extended holiday wishes to the Novak family and the broader Watertown community, citing the event as a reminder of the vital role played by local emergency services.
