Delaware State Police late last night identified the driver who killed FF Michelle Smith in the Line of Duty as Joseph Taye, 28, of Bear. Taye was arrested and expected to be charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving on a revoked license, leaving the scene of a crash and failure to report a crash. According to Maryland court records online, Citizen Taye has a criminal record dating back to 1998, which includes charges of assault, resisting arrest, marijuana possession and traffic violations. His most recent arrest occurred in November 2007, when he was charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving injuries. According to court records in Delaware, Taye was convicted May 1, 2005, of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited and resisting arrest. Taye is being held in Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $37,000 cash bail.
FF Smith and her Delaware City crew normally would not have responded to that call..but on Saturday night, they were covering for the Wilmington Manor Fire Company, which was holding its annual installation ceremony. Amongst numerous examples of her dedicated service, FF Smith recently was honored with the "Edward McCormack Award" by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission for excellence in fire-prevention education. FF Smith, who leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter, volunteered to work the cover detail at Wilmington Manor that night. More details & pics here: http://www.dcfc15.com/index.cfm
