From left are Sgt. Bob Cheatam, New Beginnings manager Sarah Cook RN, and Labor and Delivery nurse Teresa Ward RN. (PeaceHealth photo)
The traditional basket of gifts for the first Ketchikan baby born after the New Year will have a special addition in 2018. Ketchikan Police Sgt. Bob Cheatam has donated a handmade wooden cradle.
According to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, Cheatam made the cradle from ash and maple wood. He says he decided to make and donate the cradle as part of an overall Ketchikan Police Department effort to become more involved in the community.
Cheatam has made more than a dozen cradles for friends and family, according to PeaceHealth. He adds personalized accents, such as deer, boats and even armadillos.
The first-baby cradle features happy monkeys.
According to PeaceHealth, Cheatam’s mother, Ardith Smith, contributed bedding and a mattress to go with the cradle. After the baby has outgrown the cradle, it can be converted into a toy box.
