A mural honoring a beloved Queens FDNY captain who was brutally killed in a random stabbing attack was unveiled Saturday afternoon.
More than 40 EMS and FDNY personnel joined grieving relatives at 40-19 20th Ave. in Astoria, across from Fire Station 49, to remember FDNY EMS Capt. Alison Russo. A 9/11 first responder, Russo was fatally stabbed by Peter Zisopoulos on Sept. 29, 2022, while on her lunch break.
Zisopoulos, 38, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced in 2025 to 25 years to life in prison.
The crowd applauded as artists Benny Guerra and Fernando Garcia unveiled the LED-lit mural depicting Russo, who was 61 when she died. Above the portrait, a banner reads: “Never Forgotten Forever a Hero.”
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“It’s amazing to have a supportive community. You know, the FDNY being here,” Russo’s brother, Craig Fuoco, told The Post. “It’s been a long four years, but she’ll never be forgotten.”
Building owner William “Zac” Zaccari said Russo was killed directly in front of the property, where Zisopoulos lived upstairs.
“We gotta do this so it becomes a memorial, but more of a celebration than [that],” Zaccari said. He explained that the mural was positioned to face the firehouse. “So when [EMS workers] pull out of it with their ambulances or pull in … She’s gonna be smiling at them.”
