National Guard rescues woman in labor, clears roads

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The National Guard has been working hard in the aftermath of Blizzard 2013 to not only clear streets, but also help residents in need.

Running in on foot, and by Humvee, the National Guard rushed to rescue a Hamden woman who was in labor and trapped in her home.

"It was the first time I helped deliver a baby," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Buckman, Army National Guard.

A firefighter took her hospital bags, while a pay loader tried to find her street.

Then she eased her way into the Humvee and they headed to the hospital.

Monday, one of National Guard's Humvees pulled out a stuck New Haven fire truck. And Tuesday they were back out clearing roads.

They've done a lot with their troops scattered throughout in the state, but there's more work to do in towns like Milford, Hamden, and New Haven.

"We link up with the Department of Public Works," said Lt. Col. Craig Nowak, CT National Guard. "They'll give us their priorities and then we'll go out and clear that area of the city that they want."

A relief to residents cooped up since Friday.

"The snow was so high I couldn't come outside house," said Guy Maurry, of New Haven. "I'm glad to see them out here today and get something done."

Area states are helping too. Maine, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island sent equipment and troops in.

"It's hard to stockpile all the snow, because there's just a large amount of it. So, it's going to take some time," said Nowak.

More than 200 troops are working 12 hour shifts clearing mounds of snow still left on streets. And they say they still have days of work left to do.