Lehigh Co 911 dispatchers Zach Bilder and Zara Collins were recognized for helping deliver babies in seperate emergency calls during the May 10 Lehigh County Commissioners’ meeting.

On April 17, with the help of PowerPhone, Collins was able to provide instructions during an active labor, helping to deliver a baby boy just before the arrival of EMS.

Less than a month later, on May 9, Bilder answered a similar call, helping a woman in active labor also deliver a baby boy prior to EMS arriving at the scene.

Chair Geoff Brace took the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of the sometimes-overlooked work of the county’s 911 dispatchers. It’s “the regular reminder that the 911 system takes in all kinds of calls. And sometimes, the good news is the birth of a child in our community. That it happened twice in a couple of weeks ... they will remember that, for the rest for their career, I’m sure.”

In other business, Jonathan Strauss was appointed to Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2026.

Beth Halpern was appointed to Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority for a term expiring March 31, 2028.

New resolutions introduced: Res. 2023-19 Approving a Professional

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt expressed concerns about raising the budget for the Lehigh County Health Bureau and a digital radio system for first responders.

Commissioner Bob Elbich said it will be a long-term issue with many perspectives. “A budget displays the values of those who create it,” he said.