Alison Russo-Elling's killer 'left her on the street like a rag doll', dad says in emotional farewell
BROOKVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA: The funeral of Alisson Russo-Elling, an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) lieutenant and 9/11 first responder who died after being stabbed to death, took place on Wednesday, October 5 at Brookville.
In an unplanned speech at the event, her father Frank Fuoco said, “That man murdered my daughter and she would be the first one to come to his aid if he ever needed help." He further added, “He left her lying there on the street like a rag doll that was just discarded."
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The ghastly incident happened in broad daylight in Astoria, Queens, on Thursday, September 28, at 2.20 pm. Though Alison was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens, she was pronounced dead at 3.06 pm. Her father also stated, "She laid there motionless on the ground as he assaulted away; I couldn’t hear her cry out, ‘Mom! Dad! Help!’ No. Only God knows the horrific look on her face as he stabbed her to death." The emotional father then claimed, “She was such a beautiful person, he killed her and tore a hole in our hearts and all her colleagues.”
Her coffin was wrapped in a white paramedic flag and was carried by FDNY paramedics, The New York Post reported. Thousands of paramedics gathered at the funeral venue and the department’s bagpipes were played during the event. Mayor Eric Adams stated during the funeral, “We cannot bring her back but today the commissioner and I are promoting her to the rank of captain. We want people to know what a brave hero your mom, your daughter was." "My heart goes out to you. Not as the mayor, not as an elected official but as a son of the city and as a person, a human being. I’m so sorry," the Mayor added.
Craig Fuoco, Alison's brother, stated, “There are countless people still walking this earth thanks to Alison and her dedication to her job. She took pride in her job and loved the people that she worked with and volunteered with." He further explained, “Although her job and volunteering took up a lot of her time, she always had time for family. She saw my parents regularly and helped them out tremendously. Alison was my parents’ strength and support. My heart breaks for them, no parent should ever have to bury their child.”
Meanwhile, Peter Zisopoulos, 34, has been charged with murder and criminal weapon possession in the random killing of EMS Lt Alison Russo-Elling, 61, as she walked from her Queens EMS stationhouse to a nearby deli on Thursday, Sept 29, afternoon. Alison's daughter Danielle Fuoco stated earlier to New York Post, “I would just say that I want everyone to respect the family, our wishes, keep her in your prayers and remember her for the hero that she was.”