'We Lost A Hero': EMS Lieutenant From LI Stabbed To Death In NYC: PD

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A Fire Department of New York EMS worker was randomly stabbed to death steps from her Astoria work station on Thursday, authorities said.

Alison Russo-Elling, 61, of Huntington Station, a 24-year department veteran who had served as a first responder in the Sept. 11 attacks, was attacked while on duty shortly after 2 p.m., police said. She had just left EMS Station 49 to get food, wearing clothing that clearly identified her as a paramedic, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig told reporters during a news conference.

At the corner of 20th Avenue and 41st Street, a half-block from the EMS station, a 34-year-old man brandishing a knife "viciously attacked" Russo-Elling, stabbing her numerous times across her body, Essig said.

Peter Zisopoulos, 34, was charged with murder after Russo-Elling was stabbed 19 times, the New York Post reported.

She was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, but could not be saved, Mayor Eric Adams said.

"We lost a hero today," Adams wrote on Facebook. "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."

Zisopoulos ran from the scene after the stabbing and into his third-floor apartment at 19-80 41st St., about a block away, Essig said.

He was chased by two eyewitnesses who knew him, but barricaded himself inside the apartment, Essig said. A hostage negotiating team and the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit eventually got the man to leave the apartment, and he was being held in custody at the NYPD's 114th Precinct Thursday afternoon, police said.

Russo-Elling is survived by her daughter and parents, the FDNY said.

In addition to her career in the FDNY, Russo-Elling was also a long-time member of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, which is mourning her death.

Russo-Elling joined the squad in 1992 and served as day captain for 13 years. During her tenure at HCFAS, she began as an EMT, then obtained her Critical Care and Paramedic certifications.

"She was a dedicated provider and outstanding member, serving on several committees and giving her time wherever it was needed at Huntington Community," the first aid squad wrote. "Alison would have celebrated 30 years of service at Huntington Community First Aid Squad in November of this year."

She was loved by "so many" in the first aid squad.

"She will be dearly missed by everyone, but her legacy will live within our hearts forever," the squad wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time."

The Greenlawn Fire Department also said it is "heartbroken" to learn of Russo's "senseless murder."

"We stand in solidarity with our neighboring brothers and sisters in this unbelievably tough time," the department wrote on Facebook.

Russo-Elling joined the FDNY as an EMT in March 1998, later being promoted to paramedic in 2002 and lieutenant in 2016, according to an Instagram post by the department.

During the Sept. 11 attacks, she aided in rescue and recovery efforts, according to the FDNY. Over the course of her career, she worked in at least five other stations before landing at Station 49 in Astoria.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of @FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, who was killed in the line of duty in Astoria, Queens," the New York Mets Twitter wrote. "Her bravery will not be forgotten."

With reporting from Nick Garber.