Huntington To Rename Street After FDNY EMT Slain In NYC Stabbing

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Huntington Town Board on Jan. 4 voted to rename a part of Railroad Street to Captain Alison Russo / Railroad Street, the Town of Huntington confirmed.

The Huntington Station road renaming will honor Russo, a Fire Department of New York EMT lieutenant who was stabbed to death near her Astoria work station in late September.

Russo was 61. The Huntington Station resident was a 24-year department veteran who served as a first responder in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The town board vote to honor Russo was unanimous, a town spokesperson said. The official ceremony is set to take place in spring for weather purposes. Supervisor Ed Smyth's Office will be planning the event with the Huntington Town Board and members of the Huntington Community Fist Aide Squad, of which Russo was a longtime member.

Smyth, at the town board meeting, said the renaming is an "acknowledgment" of Russo.

"Captain Russo was tragically killed this past September in a random attack in New York City," Smyth said.

She was six months away from retiring, Smyth said.

"Her commitment to saving lives and putting others before herself was nothing short of remarkable and admirable," he said. "The renaming of this portion of Railroad Street is a small token of the Town of Huntington's appreciation for Captain Russo's service and sacrifice. We do not just thank Captain Russo, but all of her colleagues at at the Huntington Community First Aid Squad for their commitment to serve all of us every day."

Smyth then called for a moment of silence honoring Russo.

Russo 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.

Peter Zisopoulos was charged with murder after Russo 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 the day Russo was stabbed. "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."