WEST WINDSOR -- It's a familiar story: a couple racing to the hospital to deliver their baby have to pull over and get an assist from police, firefighters or medics.
That's what was unfolding Thursday when West Windsor Police Officer Kyle LaForge was dispatched to North Post Road at Ward Road at 7 a.m. He was right around the corner and arrived in seconds.
What he saw was a very-in-command husband, Erik Cabral, hunched over his wife, Jane.
Moments later Natalie Cabral came into the world, into her father's arms.
"The husband delivered the baby. I just made sure they were healthy," LaForge said. Sgt. Jeff Lai and Detective Jason Jones also arrived to assist, but turned into spectators.
A rescue squad arrived to check on mother and daughter, and it was dad Erik who cut the cord, LaForge said.
And before the ambulance pulled away for the hospital, Erik bundled his daughter and asked to pose for pictures with the officers - who gladly obliged with the beaming dad.
The police were so taken with the incident they posted the pictures on their Facebook page. "Mom and baby are doing great!" the post says.
LaForge said the Robbinsville couple - it's their second child - decided to give Natalie the middle name Ward after the cross street where they pulled over.
And Erik also asked for a copy of the police report so the couple can frame it. LaForge said later Thursday he's already made one and it's waiting for them at the police station.
West Windsor police Sgt. Jeff Lai, left, and Officer Kyle LaForge with Erik Cabral, right.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.