Workers at Citywide Mobile Response have come together to form a union with 1199SEIU, joining over 3,000 first responders from across New York State, who are already represented.

Their campaign started in late January when Citywide workers began gathering signatures to request an election with the National Labor Relations Board. More than half of the 200-strong workforce signed the petitions and those in favor of 1199 prevailed by 116 to 14 when the votes were tallied on March 6.

“Real heroes don’t wear capes,” said Felix Rivera, an EMT and Bronx-based worker leader during the organizing drive.