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Del. law addresses reckless death of first responders

By Angie Basiouny
The News Journal

DELAWARE CITY, Del. — House Bill 204, which would add paramedics, emergency medical technicians, fire marshals and fire police officers to a list of first responders whose death can result in a first-degree murder charge, passed the Senate by a 15-5 vote Tuesday. The legislation cleared the House unanimously earlier this month.

Called “Michelle Smith’s Law,” the legislation is named after the 30-year-old Delaware City Fire Company paramedic killed Dec. 22 when she was struck by a speeding BMW as she tended to an accident victim on U.S. 13.

The current law covers the reckless death of any on-duty law enforcement officer, corrections employee or firefighter.

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