Marylin Arroyo and Jimmy Guailacela were thrilled with the honor bestowed upon them and happy to be re-united with the three people they saved, under drier circumstances. Photo courtesy New York City Council.
Last month Sister Claudia Bradshaw and Mary and Joseph Lawrence were on their way to lunch when seven feet of water surged into a tunnel under the Cooper Avenue underpass in Glendale and trapped them in their vehicle. Because of the rescue efforts of two extraordinary FDNY EMTs, the trio was saved from the dangerous flash flood.
This past week Jimmy Guailacela and Marilyn Arroyo were honored in Manhattan and presented with proclamations from the New York City Council.
The proud heroes were joined at a ceremony on Wednesday by Uniformed EMS Officers President Vincent Variale, Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics President Izzy Miranda, as well as Sister Bradshaw and Mary and Joseph Lawrence.
“Jimmy Guailacela and Marilyn Arroyo displayed the bravery and selflessness that embodies all of our City’s first responders,” said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committee. “I’m proud to recognize their hard work keeping our community safe, especially this week when we remember September 11 and the sacrifice made by so many.”
“Being an EMT is definitely a calling and I love what I do,” Marilyn Arroyo said, making her job sound like the privilege she obviously considers it to be.
“I’m so thankful we were close enough to make it in time to help and do our jobs.”
Jimmy Guailacela echoed his co-workers passion for the job, “My life changed so much once I became an EMT,” “It helped me grow as an individual, and has taught me to provide better care for my patients not only physically, but emotionally too. I’m proud to be an EMT.”
Council Member Peter Vallone Jr, Chair of the Public Safety Committee praised the pair for their heroic efforts. “The quick thinking and profound bravery of Jimmy Guailacela and Marilyn Arroyo prevented a tragedy, and their heroics are evidence that New York City has the greatest EMTs in the world. If I am ever in a life or death situation, I will be sure to have them both on speed dial.”
