Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announce the death of EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling

September 29, 2022

Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh today announced the death of FDNY Emergency Medical Service Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, a 25-year-veteran of the FDNY who was stabbed and killed Thursday afternoon while on-duty at EMS Station 49 in Queens.

At approximately 2:20 p.m., Lt. Russo-Elling was on duty in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria near her station’s quarters. Without provocation, she was assaulted and stabbed multiple times. 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.

“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.”

“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 Commissioner 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.”

Russo-Elling was appointed to the FDNY as an EMT in 1998. She was promoted to Paramedic in 2002, and to Lieutenant in 2016. She worked at multiple EMS stations across the city, including Station 20, Station 17, Station 16, Station 45, the Queens Tactical Response and Station 49, where she had been working for the last year. Lt. Russo-Elling also served as a Rescue Paramedic in her career and possessed elite training for performing pre-hospital emergency medical care in dangerous and unusual environments.

Lt. Russo-Elling was a World Trade Center first responder, aiding in the department’s rescue and recovery efforts. She is the 1,158th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice. The last member of the Department to die in the line of duty was Firefighter Timothy Klein of Ladder 170 on April 24, 2022.

Lt. Russo-Elling, 61, was a Long Island resident. She is survived by her daughter, and her parents.

WAKE

WHERE: Commack Abbey Inc., 96 Commack Road, Commack NY 11725

WHEN:
Monday, October 3, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FUNERAL

WHERE: Tilles Center for Performing Arts, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 11:00 a.m.

NOTE: FDNY press representatives will be on-site to direct media. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the FDNY website, www.nyc.gov/FDNY