Allison Russo-Elling, an FDNY Emergency Medical Services lieutenant was fatally stabbed in Queens on Thursday. She was 61 years old. 

The incident took place near the intersection of 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Astoria around 2:15 PM (local time). The suspect has been taken into custody. 

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Russo was on duty outside of FDNY EMS Station 49 when the suspect, wearing a light gray t-shirt, stabbed her numerous times, police said. The attack was unprovoked. 

“Our hearts go out to the family, her colleagues and the city of New York. We lost one of our heroes,” New York City mayor Eric Adams said. 

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“While outside her station she was stabbed multiple times in a barbaric and completely unprovoked attack. Members of EMS serve only to help and save other people’s lives. To be attacked and killed in the course of helping others is both heartbreaking and enraging for our department in ways I can’t describe,” Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. 

Who was Alison Russo-Elling? 

Lt. Russo, a Long Island resident, was a 24-year-veteran of the FDNY. She was 61 years old. 

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She was transported in critical condition to Mt. Sinai Queens Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. 

Alison Russo was appointed to the New York City Fire Department in March, 1998. She was then promoted to Paramedic in 2002. The 61-year-old made Lieutenant in 2016. 

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Russo was one of the first responders at the World Trade Center. She helped in rescue and recovery efforts. She has also worked at multiple EMS station including Station 20, Station 17, Station 16, Station 45, Queens Tactical Response Group and Station 49.

She is the 1,158th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city. Russo is survived by her daughter and her parents.