State law makers made changes in 2016, so that an attack on an EMT or Paramedic would be a felony punishable by 7 years in prison. However laws like this do little to deter crime against our First Responders and in 2017 we saw the death of EMT Yadira Arroyo in the Bronx. As a result of EMT Arroyo's death, the New York City Fire Department began placing warning decals on the side of all of it's EMS vehicles. These decals are meant to be a reminder for would be attackers that they can go to prison for their actions.
While these decals have been a welcomed, it also has made some First Responders feel like they are not appreciated in the same way as others. Twitter user @NYCEMSWATCH. who regularly posts about topics affecting NYC's EMTs and Paramedics, points out that assaulting a NYC taxi driver is punishable by 25 years.
Speaking with several First Responders that have been affected by the violence, they all echo the same message. The rights of the victims, in this case the first responders, should not be less then that of the attacker. As well as holding the attackers accountable for their actions and not letting them off by saying they were under the influence or had a mental issue.
It took 5 years before Jose Gonzalez, the accused killer of EMT Arroyo to be found fit to stand trial. Now we have the attack of Captain Russo, who is being said to have mental health issues. Are we going to see another case of deals upon deals before he stands trial for his actions against Captain Russo?
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