Michelle joined our organization on May 5th, 2004. She quickly excelled and was one of our top EMS responders. Michelle was loved and admired by everyone; inside and outside of our organization. Unfortunately, on December 20, 2008, Michelle was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while rendering aid to a victim of a motor vehicle accident on Southbound DuPont Highway in the area of the New Castle County Airport. She succumbed to her injuries two days later in Christiana Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.  In the 130 year history of our organization, this is our first, and hopefully only, line of duty death.

We have made a commitment to make sure Michelle's memory and legacy lives on forever. Members often share stories of her history within the department. Although she only served our organization for 4 years, she made a lifelong impression on our members and organization. In the summer of 2017, the newly constructed 5th Street bridge in Delaware City was named in her honor. 

As each year passes, we remind ourselves how fortunate we were to have Michelle in our lives and part of this department. There will never be another, and we will never forget, 15-107 Michelle N. Smith.