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.”
Yadira Arroyo’s sons Edgar Montes and Jose Luis Montes lll seen at the dedication of the park honored in their mother’s name. Robert Miller
EMS Elizabeth Valladares and fellow colleagues enjoying the newly named Yadira Arroyo Playground. Robert Miller
EMS workers enjoying the slide at Yadira Arroyo Playground. Robert Miller
Children enjoying Yadira Arroyo Playground after the dedication. Robert MillerThe 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.”
Yadira Arroyo was killed while responding to an emergency call on March 16, 2017. FDNY
FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro speaks at the park’s dedication. Robert Miller
A banner with a photo of Yadira Arroyo hangs in the newly dedicated park in the Bronx. Robert MillerThe 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.
Jose Gonzalez was charged with murder in the death of Yadira Arroyo. Richard Harbus
Yadia Arroyo’s mother Leida Acevedo Rosada holds a photo of her daughter after her death. Brigitte Stelzer
Officials salute during the dedication of Yadira Arroyo Playground on May 27, 2021. Robert MillerThe 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.”
