NEW YORK — The family of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo, who was fatally struck by her own rig in 2017, says it will continue pushing for stronger protections for emergency medical workers.
Arroyo was run over with her own ambulance by Jose Gonzalez, who is serving a life sentence in the case. Her relatives say they are channeling their grief into advocacy while working to preserve her memory, 12 News reported.
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“I mean, it’s been almost nine years, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. And it still affects me,” Yadira’s aunt, Ali Acevedo Hernandez said.
The family’s renewed call for change comes after four EMS workers were injured in mid-April while responding to a call involving an emotionally disturbed person. Relatives say the latest attack underscores the dangers first responders face and the need for stronger protections for EMS workers.
“Every time that I hear news like this, it brings me back to that time,” Hernandez said. “It seems like it’s going to be a matter of time before we see another Yadira, and I would hate to see that happen.”
Hernandez said Arroyo’s death might have been prevented if EMTs were paid better, noting her niece often worked double shifts to support her family, including the night she was killed.
Arroyo’s family said they will continue advocating for justice in her honor.
