FDNY Remembers Slain Paramedic Yadira Arroyo

NEW YORK, NY — The city's fire department mourned the loss of 14-year veteran Yadira Arroyo this weekend in the days after she was killed when a driver stole her own ambulance and allegedly ran her over.

Arroyo, an EMT with the FDNY, was killed on Thursday night as she responded to a call in the Bronx. She reportedly stopped her ambulance after realizing that a man, later identified by police as Jose Gonzalez, was riding on the vehicle's back bumper. After Arroyo got out of the car to speak with Gonzalez, he passed her and got into the driver's seat, according to the police account. Police said in a statement that Gonzalez reversed the ambulance into Arroyo, knocking her over, before driving over her with the vehicle. Gonzalez continued driving, dragging Arroyo's body across the intersection and crashing into multiple parked cars, according to authorities. Gonzalez has been charged with murder and was reportedly high on drugs at the time of the incident.

Arroyo's colleagues have described her as a hard-working and caring paramedic. Captain Joseph Jefferson of Arroyo's Station 26 said she "dedicated her life in serving the community."

"I’ve served the Department for 28 years and rarely do you find a member so dedicated. She was so selfless that at a moment’s notice she did what she thought was right to do in the face of danger. Knowing she was out there gave us peace and understanding that the right thing was going to be done every single time," Jefferson said in a statement. "She cannot be replaced."

Fellow paramedic Anastasia Rabos remember her colleague as a dedicated worker and mother.

"She was a great mentor, great friend, and a great colleague. No matter what types of calls we went to, she was always courteous and respectful to everyone and anyone. She would always advise, correct and give credit," Rabos said. "If she wasn’t at work, she was with her family and children, making plans with them ahead of time, trying to figure out how to spend more time with them. We all love her at the station and will never forget her."

The department is also working to support Arroyo's five children, who range in age from 7 to 23. You can donate to the fund for Arroyo's children here.

Arroyo's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx. Additional details can be found here.

Lead image via the Fire Department of New York.