Slain EMT Yadira Arroyo honored in the Bronx

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A New York City EMT who was killed on the job was honored Friday in the Bronx.

For her dedication, hard work and sacrifice as an EMT, a plaque honoring the memory of Yadira Arroyo has been placed outside the emergency room at St. Barnabas Hospital.

"Her memory can sort of be passed down as people pass this and think of her," said interim EMS Director Dr. Mark Curato.

Killed in the line of duty, Yadira Arroyo was run over by her own ambulance back in March after a suspect jumped in behind the wheel.

The veteran EMT left behind five sons, the youngest just 7 years old.

"This is the way we want to remember her, happy, excited, full of life, full of joy," said paramedic Marcos Alvarado. "She was always saying, how are you doing, how are you'"?

Many knew her. As an FDNY EMT, Yadira would frequently bring patients to St. Barnabas Hospital.

As they celebrate EMT Appreciation Week, they honored Yadira's memory during the ceremony.

"She embodied the EMS," said her aunt Ali Acevedo-Hernandez. "When she put on that uniform it was really to serve. She became a different person. She loved her job."

And her dedication to helping others was infectious. "Every day she would get up and say I have to go, I have to go out there and save lives and so on. We are very proud," said her aunt Rose Acevedo.

They are proud too of the many EMT's honored at the ceremony. Their dedication and hard work is not taken for granted.

"Because your job is difficult, because your job is important, and because your job is dangerous, that's why we recognize you this time every year, for being EMS strong," said Dr. Curato.

And the strength of Yadira Arroyo lives on for everyone to see.