NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The younger brother of a city EMT killed in the line of duty is honoring her memory by following in her footsteps.
Joel Rosado’s sister, Yadira “Yadi” Arroyo, was killed in March 2017 while trying to stop a career criminal from stealing her ambulance.
Rosado was already a probationary emergency medical technician when his sister, a mother of five, was killed.
But Thursday was a day of celebration as he graduated from the FDNY EMS Academy and made the decision to wear Yadi’s badge.
“If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't even know where I’d be right now. She taught me how to be a better person,” Rosado said.
Following his graduation, he will report to Station 26 in the South Bronx, where Yadi was considered family to many.
“Now, he's also part of that family. And, I’m pretty sure she's absolutely overjoyed wherever she is that now her brother is now our brother,” said EMT Chaz Perry.
The FDNY graduated 173 new probationary EMTs and 60 new paramedics Thursday, as well as promoted 37 lieutenants, 3 deputy chiefs, 2 division chiefs and 3 deputy assistant chiefs.