Tasha Hayes-Smith, an East Orange firefighter since August of 1993, becomes the first female promoted to captain in the department’s history during the 2015 East Orange Police and Fire Promotion and Awards Ceremony.
Mayor Lester E. Taylor III, the East Orange City Council, East Orange Police Chief William C. Robinson and East Orange Fire Chief Charles F. Salley honored the men and women of the East Orange Police and Fire departments for the departments’ 100-plus years of service.
Hayes-Smith, who is Black and an East Orange native, is one of only three women to ever serve for the East Orange Fire Department, and the first to be promoted to captain.
“It is my pleasing duty and honor to recommend and finally promote Captain Tasha Hayes-Smith,” said Salley. “Captain Tasha Hayes-Smith has served the department as an acting captain off and on for the past two years and has shown herself to be a good leader within the department. I’m sure Captain Smith will continue to make herself and the citizens of East Orange proud. I join her in thanking Mayor Lester E. Taylor III for this great opportunity.”
The event, held at Cicely L. Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts Center, recognized promotions and paid tribute to the acts of heroism and professionalism displayed by members of both departments.
“The dedicated men and women of the East Orange Police and Fire departments have provided the City of East Orange with exemplary service,” said Taylor. “Public safety is the cornerstone of a community, and we are fortunate to have such committed personnel serving our citizens.”
The EOPD and EOFD have had a productive year, with both departments receiving federal grants in excess of $1.5 million combined for new turnout gear and 12 new school resource officers. The city also has benefited from supplemental community outreach programs from both departments, including campaigns to increase traffic safety and install free smoke detectors in homes that need them.
