Firefighter who delivered baby 22 years ago travels nearly 800 miles to attend her graduation

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - A retired Colorado Springs firefighter traveled hundreds of miles to watch a Grand Canyon University graduate walk across the stage on Friday.

Chloe Huddle graduated from GCU with a degree in educational studies. Among those in attendance was Alan Kent, the firefighter who delivered her 22 years ago.

“It just means the world to me that I have so many people here to support and celebrate me in this big life moment,” Huddle said.

On Feb. 15, 2004, Kent responded to a medical call in Colorado Springs.

“As we approached the scene, we got out, and we heard Stacy [the girl’s mother] upstairs screaming. I was like, I think we’re going to have a baby,” Kent recalled.

A few minutes later, Huddle was born.

“Alan was the first person to hold me and we’ve had a special bond ever since,” she said.

Huddle wasn’t the first, or only, baby Kent has helped deliver, but what happened next made the relationship different.

“Stacy, after the birth of Chloe, stopped by the station. You know, to show us baby Chloe. And we started making a connection. Stacy wanted that connection to continue,” Kent said.

That’s when they made a pact. Huddle would spend her birthdays at the fire station, and Kent promised to be there for the milestone moments in her life.

“Since I’m retired, I’ve got a little bit of time. But even if I weren’t retired, I wouldn’t miss this,” Kent said.

Years later, the firefighter turned friend now feels more like family, making the nearly 800-mile trip to Arizona for Huddle’s college graduation.

“I love talking about it because it just shows like there is so much hope in the world and goodness in the world, even in a heartbroken world,” Huddle said.

Kent worked as a firefighter and paramedic for decades. While each day was new and uncharted, this relationship was a constant.

“In our line of work, we don’t usually have all the time good things happen. And sometimes very bad things happen in our careers, especially in the fire service,” Kent said. ”To have something as great as this and then to continue throughout the years ... it’s been that connection, that bond throughout the years.”

Huddle is also engaged to be married this summer. Kent said he plans to attend that milestone event as well.