MIDDLEBORO — Firefighters were honored by the town for their labors in helping deliver two healthy babies 12 hours apart.

At noon March 2 the Fire Department received a call about a woman in active labor. Members of the department helped deliver the baby. After some post-birth bonding time, mom and baby were transported to the hospital.

About 12 hours later, just after midnight, March 3, the department received another call about a woman in labor. By the time first responders arrived, the baby had already been born. As they had done the day before, the responders allowed the mother and  baby quick time to bond before transporting both to the hospital.

Both mothers and their new daughters are now home and “recovering comfortably,’’ Fire Chief Owen Thompson said at the March 13 Select Board meeting.

“The manner in which you carried out your duties exemplifies how members of the Middleboro Fire Department come to work on a daily basis,’’ the chief said. They “perform at the highest level possible to protect the residents and visitors of Middleboro.’’

Firefighters honored were: Capt. Eric Gunnison, Lt. Timothy Andrews, and Firefighters Michael DesRoche, Ryan Herrick, Jason Myers and John Palatore. Middleboro Police Officer Carolyn Berger was also saluted. 

The experience was memorable for all involved, Thompson said.

“I am sure the little girls will have fun telling their own children how they came into the world someday,’’ he said.