FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo Elling Stabbed to Death in Random Queens, Suspect Identified
Astoria, Queens (WABC) — Flags flew half-staff across New York to honor FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo Elling, who died in the brutal indiscriminate attacks of 9/11.
The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the intersection of 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria.
EMS Lieutenant Russo-Elling was stabbed to death in a random attack while standing outside FDNY EMS Station 49 while on duty.
“EMS members are dedicated solely to helping and saving the lives of other people,” Acting Fire Chief Laura Cabana told a news conference. It is heartbreaking and angry for our department beyond words to be killed.”
“She has served in this city for 25 years. She was a first responder for the World Trade Center. She has been cited many times for her bravery and life-saving work. Absolutely loved it,” Kavanagh said.
Russo-Elling was appointed to FDNY as a paramedic in 1998. He was then promoted to Paramedic in 2002 and Lieutenant in 2016. She worked at multiple of her EMS stations around the city including Station 20, Station 17, Station 16 and Station. 45, Queens Tactical Response and Station 49, where she served last year.
The lieutenant also served as a rescue paramedic during her career and was trained to perform pre-hospital emergency medical care.
The 61-year-old Long Island resident is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, and parents.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “We have lost one of our heroes. She has served the city for more than 24 years. Her perpetrator will be arrested and held accountable for his actions.” It will be.
Outside the hospital, there was an outpouring of emotion and sympathy.
When rumors spread that an EMS lieutenant was attacked on the job and unable to work, members of the FDNY EMS gathered at the hospital to comfort and mourn each other.
Deputy Fire Secretary Laura Kavanaugh and an FDNY pastor led a prayer wheel in the area where the ambulance arrives at the hospital. There were many tears and hugs.
Peter Zysopoulos, 34, has been charged with murder. He is said to be undergoing mental health screening.
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Dysopoulos fled after the attack and ran to 19th-80th and 41st Streets and barricaded himself inside a third-floor apartment building.
Members of the hostage negotiation team and the Emergency Services Force forced the suspect out of the building.
Police walked him across the street. There was no trace of emotion on his face.
Neighbors describe him as such. They describe themselves as loners often found walking expressionless around the block.
“He seemed to have a routine,” said neighbor Camila Gross. “Just walking around the block, maybe in a 2-3 block radius, always lonely, not on his phone, talking to nobody, always alone, very self-contained. And I noticed it.”
But now he is accused of mysterious violence. A gratuitous attack on a public official.
Russo’s body emerged Wednesday night from an emergency room surrounded by uniformed FDNY officials.
FDNY firefighters and the Firefighters Association have released a joint statement following Russo’s death.
“The death of Allison Russo is a tragic reminder of the dangers facing FDNY and all members of the Uniform Service. Her senseless killing brings grief to all members of FDNY. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the department “Holding our heads, we are forever here to support the FDNY family during this unspeakably difficult time. Dear Alison family, I extend my deepest condolences and condolences to you and your colleagues.”
Mayor Adams ordered flags on all city buildings to be lowered to half-mast Thursday night.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also asked that flags be flown at half mast in honor of Lieutenant Russo from sunrise until the end of his funeral on Friday.
New York Police and Fire Widow The & Children’s Benefit Fund (also known as Answer the Call) has announced that it will provide $50,000 to support Russo’s family financially.
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https://abc7ny.com/fdny-ems-stabbed-lt-alison-russo-queens/12281576/ FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo Elling Stabbed to Death in Random Queens, Suspect Identified
