FDNY 9/11 first responder murdered in another senseless act of workplace violence
Allison Russo-Elling survived the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center while serving as an FDNY first responder on September 11, 2001 only to be murdered due to occupational violence 21 years later.
Russo-Elling was stabbed more than a dozen times in what has been described as an unprovoked attack on September 29, 2022. At the time, she was on-the-job and standing outside of FDNY EMS Station 49 in Queens.
She was originally appointed to serve as an EMT in 1998. Following 9/11, Russo-Elling was promoted to paramedic in 2002 and then to the position of lieutenant in 2016. She worked at multiple EMS stations across New York City.
FDNY First Responder Allison Russo shortly after September 11, 2001. Photo published by abc7ny.com
Lt. Allison Russo-Elling
Russo-Elling's suspected murderer, a 34 year old male, barricaded himself in a nearby apartment before being taken into custody. On September 30, 2022, he was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) violence can occur in any workplace setting.
Per NIOSH: "Workplace violence is the act or threat of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward persons at work or on duty. The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury, or even death."
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