Alison Russo-Elling joined the FDNY in 1998, and rose through the civil service ranks. She was a paramedic and a first responder at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A dedicated public servant, she also volunteered with the Huntington Rescue Squad on Long Island where she lived. She was in uniform when her attacker fatally stabbed her multiple times. She was waiting for roadside assistance to come and repair her FDNY vehicle. While she waited, a civilian told her there was someone having a medical emergency. She responded to investigate when the murderer walked up to her and attacked her. She died while responding to an emergency and performing her duties.