A female EMT worker trying to help people at the scene of a fire in Soundview Thursday was sexually assaulted, police say.

According to the fire chief at the scene, the 32-year-old EMT saw a man collapse on the ground nearby. The EMT stepped away to offer help and the chief says that's when she was assaulted.

Police say 52-year-old Aaron Cervantes groped the EMT's chest and crotch over her clothing.

With help from the FDNY, police were able to take Cervantes into custody.

The chief of EMS services says this behavior will not be tolerated against those who dedicate their careers to helping others.

"I want to just remind everybody that assaulting EMS workers is a felony, and we will not tolerate it," says Lillian Bonsignore, chief of EMS services. "We will follow through 100% and we support full prosecution of anybody who puts their hands on an EMS worker."

Cervantes is charged with one count of forcible touching and one count of sexual abuse.