September 1, 2026

Indiana State Police Fort Wayne District Trooper Sam Waterhouse

Auburn, IN – Very early Sunday morning, Indiana State Police Fort Wayne District Trooper Sam Waterhouse was patrolling I‑69 near the 328‑mile marker outside Auburn when he observed a vehicle traveling at an extremely high speed heading southbound. What began as a routine traffic stop quickly turned into something far more urgent.

After catching up to the vehicle and stopping it a few miles south, Trooper Waterhouse was informed by the driver that his wife was in active labor, and the baby was coming immediately. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, Trooper Waterhouse retrieved his medical kit and returned to the expectant mother. As he arrived at the vehicle, the father was already delivering the newborn.

Trooper Waterhouse immediately noticed the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck. Acting swiftly and calmly, he carefully unwrapped the cord. Moments later, the newborn began to cry and breathe on their own. Trooper Waterhouse wrapped the baby in a blanket and placed the infant safely in the mother’s arms just as a Parkview Emergency Medical team arrived. Medics evaluated mother and child, both found to be healthy, and transported them to a nearby birth center for further care. We ask for privacy for the family involved, as this was a traumatic event, and therefore their names will not be released.

As an Indiana State Police Trooper, no two days are ever the same. Trooper Waterhouse’s decisive actions and composure exemplify the dedication and readiness of ISP personnel, and we are proud of his efforts and grateful for the positive outcome for this family.

If you have what it takes to act quickly, serve your community, and respond confidently in moments that matter, consider becoming an Indiana State Police Trooper. Your next shift could change someone’s life – we are currently hiring for the 92nd recruit academy. Apply now at IndianaTrooper.com.

About Trooper Waterhouse —

Waterhouse is from DeKalb County where he attended Garrett High School. After high school, he served for six years in the Indiana Army National Guard 76th IBCT, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment. He finished his career in the National Guard at the rank of sergeant E5.

Waterhouse is a graduate of the Indiana State Police’s 80th recruit academy. He was assigned to the Toll Road Post from December 2019 until he was recently granted a transfer to the Fort Wayne Post.

While at the Toll Road Post, he was assigned to zone 4, working Steuben and LaGrange counties. Now at the Fort Wayne Post, Waterhouse will primarily serve the people of DeKalb and Noble counties. He is a member of the ISP Area II Critical Incident and Reconstruction Team, is a Level III certified in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and certified in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement.