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- HuntingtonNow photos
Part of Railroad Street in Huntington Station was renamed for EMS Capt. Alison Russo Wednesday in a somber ceremony in front of the first aid squad where she volunteered for 30 years.
Russo, 61, was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack in September near her FDNY stationhouse in Queens.
Wednesday’s ceremony drew elected officials, FDNY representatives, Suffolk County police and members of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad as well as the public.
Russo had been with the EMS at the FDNY for 25 years, holding the rank of lieutenant at her death, and would have hit the 30-year mark with the Huntington squad in November.
The FDNY promoted her posthumously in October.
“She was our savior and our hero,” her father, Frank Fuoco, said, describing his daughter’s lifelong strength and determination. “She was truly amazing, strong-willed and we knew it from day one. She carried on like that for the rest of her life.”
“There’s an abundance of words that can be used to describe Capt. Russo, “Town Supervisor ED Smyth said. “Dedicated, strong, friendly, compassionate. However one characteristic that rings true is unwavering brave leadership.
A Queens man was arrested near the scene of the fatal stabbing. Peter Zisopoulos, 35, faces charges of second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
In addition to Smyth, also attending were Council members Joan Cergol, Gene Cook, Sal Ferro and Dr. Dave Bennardo; Town Clerk Andrew Raia and Tax Receiver Jillian Guthman; State Assemblymen Steve Stern and Keith Brown, State Sen. Mario Mattera, Suffolk County Legislators Stephanie Bontempi and Tom Donnelly, and US Rep. Nick LaLota.
A Huntington High School chorus sang the National Anthem, and Chuck Brady, chaplain of the Huntington Manor Fire Department, led a prayer.
Two signs bearing the name Capt. Ailson Russo Way were unveiled, one at the intersection of Lowndes Avenue and the other directly in front of the HCFAS headquarters at 2 Railroad St.