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Alison Russo-Elling: FDNY vet and 9/11 hero STABBED to death while helping patient

'We lost one of our heroes she provided a service for this city for over 24 years,' said Mayor Eric Adams

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised

QUEENS, NEW YORK CITY: Alison Russo-Elling, an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) lieutenant and 9/11 first responder died after being stabbed to death by the emotionally disturbed relative of the patient she was helping, according to Daily Mail. The ghastly incident took place in daylight in Astoria, Queens, on Thursday, September 28 at 2.20 pm.

It is believed that the 61-year-old EMS lieutenant, was out 'getting food nearby' when she was brutally stabbed, said reports. Though she was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens she was pronounced dead at 3.06 pm.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke at a press conference and said, "We lost one of our heroes she provided a service for this city for over 24 years." Further, he added, "Her assailant has been apprehended and will be held accountable for his actions. She was on duty at the time she was brought here to Mount Sinai Hospital where she passed away due to her injuries."

Adams tweeted on his handle, "We lost a hero today. Alison Russo-Elling was a 25-year veteran of FDNY EMS. She was murdered on duty in an unprovoked attack. Her assailant is in custody. Lt. Russo-Elling gave so much for our city. Please keep her family and the FDNY in your prayers tonight."

According to Daily Beast, a 34-year-old man was taken into custody for the brutal killing of the officer on Thursday, September 29. At the time of the crime, the suspect wore a light gray shirt and dark pants. He brandished the knife before stabbing Alison.

The investigation of the crime is ongoing. Laura Kavanagh, Acting Fire Commissioner, stated, "At 2.20 pm today Lieutenant Alison Russo was on duty at station 49 while outside her station she was stabbed multiple times in a barbaric and completely unprovoked attack." Further, she said, "Members of EMS serve only to help and save other people's lives to be attacked and killed in the course of others is both heartbreaking and enraging for our department in ways I cannot describe."

Later, she claimed, "Lieutenant Russo exemplified FDNY EMS she served the city for 25 years she was a World Trade Center first responder and was sighted multiple times for her bravery and lifesaving work and she was absolutely beloved in this job." 

A Facebook post by the New York City Police Department read, "Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the death of Emergency Medical Service Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, a 24-year-veteran of the FDNY who was stabbed and killed Thursday afternoon while working at EMS Station 49 in Queens."

Further it added, "At approximately 2:20 pm, Lt. Russo-Elling was on duty in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria near her station’s quarters. She was stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack." The post continued, "She was transported in critical condition to Mt. Sinai Queens Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Lt. Russo-Elling worked out of Station 49 in Astoria at the time she was killed. "

The post further read, "Lt. Russo-Elling was appointed to the FDNY as an EMT in March of 1998. She was promoted to Paramedic in 2002, and to Lieutenant in 2016." Furthermore, it stated, She has worked at multiple EMS stations, including Station 20, Station 17, Station 16, Station 45, Queens Tactical Response Group, and Station 49." The post also claimed, "Lt. Russo-Elling was a World Trade Center first responder, aiding in the rescue and recovery efforts. She is the 1,158th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city." 

It further explained, "The last member of the Department to die in the line of duty was Firefighter Timothy Klein of Ladder 170 on April 24, 2022." The post concluded by stating," Lt. Russo-Elling was 61 years old. A Long Island resident, she is survived by her daughter and her parents. Wake and funeral information are pending."

"As a mark of respect for FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, who lost her life in the line of duty, all flags shall be lowered to half-staff by order of the Mayor of the City of New York, Eric Adams, effective immediately," a tweet from the NYC Mayor's office read.