On Thursday, May 3, Governor Martin O’Malley and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake paid a surprise visit to the Baltimore City DSS Biddle Street office to recognize staff who rescued an infant from a life threatening situation on April 24. The quick action of staff, some placing themselves in harm’s way, de-escalated a very violent situation.
Dana Hayes shouts for help brought William Purnell Short III into the conference room where the infant was being stabbed with a knife by her mother. Mr. Short was able to hit the suspect with a chair, and subdue her until police arrived. The infant was rescued by another staff person when the suspect dropped her. Other staff responding to the situation called 911 for immediate police and paramedic assistance.
Both officials acknowledge the importance and difficulty of the work done was social service employees as well as the “bravery and valor of all.”
