Inspired to help Yadira’s family

THE OLDEST son of a Bronx FDNY EMT killed under the wheels of her own stolen ambulance said Tuesday that he is at a loss for words over the tragedy — until he remembers all his mother stood for.

“Then I feel like I have too much to say,” said Jose Montes, 24.

Montes, at a candlelight vigil outside EMS Station 26 in the Bronx, where Yadira Arroyo served, thanked the city for its support .

“She’s in my heart, she’s in my brothers’ hearts,” Montes told the crowd, which chanted his mother’s name as he spoke. “You’ll see her when you see us.”

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Arroyo “lived as a hero in this community.”

While mourners gathered in Arroyo’s honor, New Yorkers touched by the tragedy continued to show support.

When Christine Sanchez worked with EMTs in Brooklyn 20 years ago, the registered nurse saw upclose the difference they made in her community.

So when she learned the Daily News was raising money for Arroyo’s five children, Sanchez couldn’t wait to contribute.

“I understand and appreciate all the hard work that EMS provides for all the communities in New York City, and the senseless death of Ms. Arroyo broke my heart,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez’s contribution helped the fund reach more than $60,000, which includes a $10,000 donation from the News.

Police say a disturbed career criminal with schizophrenia, Jose Gonzalez, 25, ran over Arroyo with her own ambulance following a confrontation in the Bronx on Thursday.

To donate, send payments electronically to Daily News Charities, account number 9387-575-837, routing number 021-000-322.

The charity also has a PayPal account at nydn.us/ArroyoFund.

Checks can be made payable to Daily News Charities Inc. and mailed to: New York Daily News 4 New York Plaza New York, NY 10004 Attn: Daily News Charities