City officials on Thursday dedicated a Bronx park to fallen EMT Yadira Arroyo, who was run over by a stolen ambulance four years ago.
Arroyo’s oldest son, Jose Luis Montes III, said the dedication at 1954 Watson Avenue in Union Port was “a real honor, a privilege.”
The leafy little park encircled by park benches was renamed “FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground.”
“It’s … an amazing experience to be able to have such a hero of a mother, that there’s literally a parked named in her honor,” he added.
“I know my mom is looking down and she’s very proud of all the faces she sees today.”
The 14-year EMT and mother of five boys died in March 2017 when Jose Gonzalez allegedly commandeered her ambulance and ran her over in the Bronx. Gonzalez was charged with murder.
Arroyo’s uncle, David Malove, said he was “so grateful that the park is being renamed after my niece.”
“This park will be a magical place where children shall gather together to make happiness and create everlasting and treasured memories,” he said.
The city’s Park Department unveiled the park’s plaque during the ceremony Thursday morning.
“Four years ago, Yadi’s life was taken just blocks from here,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “She was murdered as she bravely tried to do her job and respond to a call for help from a pregnant woman having a medical emergency. She was a true hero.”
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