The unprovoked killing of Lt. Alison Russo-Elling is a tragic reminder that EMS providers are putting their lives at risk for choosing to serve their community.
Read more in this response from Lexipol Editorial Director Greg Friese, MS, NRP.
Duty Death: Alison Russo-Elling - [New York]
End of Service: 29/09/2022
The Associated Press
NEW YORK 鈥� A man has been arrested in the fatal stabbing of a veteran emergency medical worker with New York City鈥檚 fire department, police said Friday.
Peter Zisopoulos, 34, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the fatal attack on EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, police said in a news release.
Russo-Elling was on duty when she was stabbed Thursday afternoon near her station in the Astoria section of Queens, authorities said.
The 61-year-old Russo-Elling was heading to a corner store to get something to eat when Zisopoulos allegedly stabbed her multiple times, police said. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Zisopoulos ran to his apartment nearby and barricaded himself inside, police said. He was arrested after he was eventually talked into coming out. It wasn鈥檛 clear if he had an attorney who could comment on the charges against him.
The motive for the stabbing is under investigation.
Russo-Elling had served the city for 25 years and was among the first responders at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at a news conference Thursday.
鈥淪he was cited multiple times for her bravery and her life-saving work,鈥� Kavanagh said. 鈥淎nd she was absolutely beloved on this job.鈥�
Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, 鈥淥ur 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鈥檚 bravery and commitment to service as we mourn her loss along with the FDNY.鈥�