LODD Delaware. FD Firefighter

[flyboy14295 4]

From www.Firefighterclosecalls.com,

It is with deep regret that we advise you of the Line of Duty Death of Delaware City Fire Company

www.dcfc15.com (DE) Member Michelle Smith, age 29. As you know, Smith was operating at the scene of a motorcycle crash Saturday evening when she was struck and critically injured. Her injuries were too severe and she has now tragically died in the Line of Duty.

The Delaware City Fire Company was providing ambulance coverage for the Wilmington Manor Fire Company that evening. Upon arrival at the crash, and initial assessment of the patient, FD Ambulance Driver Michelle Smith, 29, was assisting the EMT on scene with patient care. A County Police Officer stopped to assist with traffic control, as rescue and fire police units from Wilmington Manor began to arrive. A vehicle that attempted to avoid the incident scene struck the County Police vehicle and then swerved around the Delaware City BLS unit, striking Ms. Smith. The driver of the vehicle then fled the scene. Ms. Smith was treated on scene by New Castle County Paramedics and EMT's from Wilmington Manor and Goodwill Fire Companies. She was transported with extensive traumatic injuries and has now succumbed to those injuries. Police are narrowing in on the suspects in this hit and run...and now, potential murder.

Our most sincere condolences to the members of the Delaware City Fire Company but especially the young Daughter, her family and friends of Michelle Smith. Here is their home page: www.dcfc15.com

RIP and condolences to the entire DCFC.

Edited December 23, 2008 by flyboy14295

[markmets415 524]

Sad isn't, I posted this yesterday under the vest law regarding her accident and pasted this there as well.

Rest in Peace EMT Michelle Smith.

[Guest jblazing56]

RIP our hearts will be with you

[Guest]

RIP!

[DOC22 1]

Rest in Peace, Michelle, and may God grant your family, friends and coworkers the strength to get through this most difficult time.

[MFVFD179 0]

RIP

[markmets415 524]

Further developments from firefightersclosecalls

In what continues to unfold as an absolutely incredible story related to the horrific Line of Duty Death of Delaware City (DE) Firefighter Michelle Smith... the criminal circumstances only gets worse.

As you already know, the motorcycle crash occurred on Route 13 southbound on Saturday evening. The operator of the bike, Edward Reiss, was injured in the incident and was lying in the roadway. A Delaware City Fire Company ambulance (standing by to cover that area for the Wilmington manor Fire Company) arrived on the scene within minutes and DCFC FF Michelle Smith got out of the ambulance, ran over to Mr. Reiss and began to administer care. A New Castle County Police Officer then arrived on the scene and activates him emergency equipment.

Moments later, the 2004 BMW 760 traveling southbound on Route 13 entered the crash scene and sideswiped the county police car causing significant damage. The Police officer leaped back into his car just prior to the impact and avoids injury. The BMW, operated by veteran criminal Joseph Taye, 28, of Bear, loses control and strikes Smith and Reiss. The BMW comes to a stop on the right shoulder south of the crash scene.

At that point, a light colored Honda, possibly an Accord, pulls up to the crash scene. The operator of the Honda, an unidentified black male, ACTUALLY HELPS TAYE into the Honda (Taye is unable to walk himself) and the Honda subsequently flees the scene. Witnesses describe the fleeing Honda and also advised that the operator of the BMW was a black male...with an obvious physical impairment/disability.

Officers, Troopers and New Castle County Police officers, respond to the BMW registered owners address....the car was apparently not Tayes. Through outstanding police investigative practices, the name of Joseph Taye comes up. It is learned that Taye was a black male with a physical impairment. Back at the crash scene, evidence technicians process the BMW and locate a finger print which ultimately proves to be a positive match for Taye.

Tragically, yesterday, Monday, December 22nd, Ms. Smith succumbs to her injuries and is pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital. Her death is Line of Duty.

During the evening hours of December 22nd, detectives complete arrest warrants for Taye. Troopers respond to Tayes home in Bear and take him into custody without incident. Taye is arraigned on the following offenses: Manslaughter, Assault 2nd, Driving while Revoked, Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failure to Report a Crash. Bail is set at $30,000.00 only (yeah-we know) and Mr. Taye is committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.

As you know, this case is still very much active. Investigators are seeking to identify the operator of the Honda that fled the scene of the crash with Taye in the car. We have no doubt that they will get Tayes "partners in crime"...

FF Michelle L. Smith has served the Delaware City Fire Company http://www.dcfc15.com/ and the

Delaware City Ladies Auxiliary for over 5 years, holding the Secretary position with the Ladies Auxiliary. She also served with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, DE: http://www.vhc27.com/. Michelle is survived by her 12 year old daughter. Again, our condolences to all affected, the members of the Delaware City, Wilmington Manor Fire Companies and VHC of Middletown but especially her family, her daughter and her friends.

Kudos to the Delaware State and the New Castle County Police involved in this bizarre case for the outstanding police work done so far as they continue to hunt for Tayes accomplices.

[ex-commish 490]

May she rest in peace.

[markmets415 524]

The Delaware City Fire Company has a very nice tribute to Michelle on their homepage, please visit and sign the companies guestbook.

http://www.dcfc15.com/

[markmets415 524]

An update from the secretlist:

Troopers from the Collision Reconstruction Unit at Troop 2 formally charged Joseph Taye, 28, of Bear approximately one hour ago with Murder in the first degree. This charge was upgraded from Manslaughter due to Michelle Smith of the Delaware City (DE) Fire Company losing her life while performing her duties. Edward Reiss' injuries (the motorcyclist she was treating) charge of Assault 2nd was changed to Assault 1st due to the severity of Mr. Reiss' injuries. The charges of Driving while Revoked, Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failure to Report a Crash remained the same.

Mr. Taye was committed to Howard Young Correctional Institute without bail.

This case is still very much active. Investigators are seeking to identify the operator of the Honda as well as locating that particular vehicle that fled the scene of the crash with Taye in the car.

At the time of this release, Mr.Reiss is still in Christiana Hospital in stable but serious condition.