N.J. Responder Charged in Crash

A lieutenant with the Moonachie First Aid and Rescue Squad has been charged in a crash that occurred on June 10 while he was responding to a call in his personal vehicle, according to The Record.

Lt. Franklin Smith Sr. was driving his 2009 Toyota Rav4 north on Moonachie Road near Rooney Place just after 11:30 a.m. when he crossed the center line and collided with a southbound 2004 Nissan Altima driven by Gaetanina Delduca, according to the report.

Both drivers were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center with serious injuries and remained hospitalized yesterday.

Smith was en route to his department's headquarters in response to an unspecified medical call and was traveling at "a high rate of speed," Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli told the newspaper.

Smith's SUV is equipped with blue strobe lights, which were activated, and he was not wearing a seat belt.

New Jersey law state that volunteer fire, first-aid and rescue officials with warning lights on their personal vehicles "must drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and must obey all traffic laws."

In addition to assault by auto, he also was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to keep right, crossing the double-yellow lines, improper use of an emergency light and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Smith is due to appear in Moonachie Municipal Court on Aug. 4.