NEW YORK, NY – A female New York City firefighter with stabbed to death in broad daylight on Thursday while working at station 49 in Queens. According to the New York City Police Department, Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling was killed in an unprovoked attack at around 2:20 p.m. near the intersection of 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens.
She was killed near her station’s quarters by an unknown assailant.
“Today, we lost one of our heroes, Allison Russo-Elling, a 25-year veteran of the Fire Department who was stabbed in an unprovoked attack,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “Our hearts are with her family, her fellow EMS members, and with all New Yorkers who lost a truly amazing woman to a senseless act of violence. The City of New York will remember Lt. Russo-Elling’s bravery and commitment to service as we mourn her loss along with the FDNY.”
Russo-Elling was stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack. She was transported in critical condition to Mt. Sinai Queens Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Lieutenant Russo-Elling is the 1,158th member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty. Funeral arrangements are pending.
“Members of EMS serve only to save the lives of others. To be attacked while doing that noble work is heartbreaking and enraging for our entire Department,” said Acting NYC Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Lt. Russo-Elling exemplified FDNY EMS. She was a beloved veteran of the FDNY who served with honor and distinction for more than two decades. We stand together with her family and her colleagues in mourning during this incredibly painful time.”
Today, New York City Firefighters came out to honor the life of their fallen comrade at her firehouse
“FDNY EMTs Robert Szendrey and John Nicosia along with Firefighter Jake Diaz drape purple and black bunting on the exterior of FDNY EMS Station 49 where Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling was assigned. “This event has [cut] deep into our souls and has rippled into the first responder communities across the nation,” the FDNY said in a statement. “We are heartbroken and we are very angry. We stand together in mourning with the entire Russo family. Lieutenant Russo is the second EMS member to be murdered on these streets in the last five years. It is impossible and unacceptable for anyone to infer or indicate that EMS work is not as dangerous as all other first responder work.”
Firefighters described Alison Russo Addison amazing woman, a mother, a friend, and a daughter.
“She was a civil servant who dedicated her life to caring for the people of this city. For 25 years she did just that. In one moment, a lifetime of work came crashing to an end. We need this city to stand up for Alison Russo; we need this city to stand up for EMS. We need this city to stand up for all of our first responders who serve you and your families so selflessly, unselfishly and so giving,” said Chief of EMS Lillian Bonsignore.