Transcript: Mayor Eric Adams Delivers Remarks At Funeral For EMS Captain Alison Russo

October 5, 2022

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you, monsignor. And as we gather today to mourn the passing of our hero and member of the FDNY, this is the 1,158th time that we've watched a member of this department transition and die in the line of duty. My heart goes out to the family. When I walked in the hospital last week, and just a few days ago at the wake, I saw Catherine and Frank and Craig. Particularly to Catherine and Frank - I think about my brother and I, who were both law enforcement officers, and Frank, the number of times we had to respond to the loss of those who have served with us. I think about the times, Frank, when I saw the men and women, part of this agency, respond to environments that are unbelievable. When you think about the level of danger, and even with the knowledge of that danger, your daughter gave 25 years to this city.

She was aware of the danger when she signed up. She was aware of the danger when she was promoted. She was aware of the danger toward 9/11 when we saw outside enemies from foreign enemies attack our soil. She was a hero. She was a hero then. She was a hero now. And Catherine, as I spoke with you, I thought of my mom. Every night, your daughter called you, and I would call my mom every night. I would speak with her, and she would never rest until Bernard and I made our way home. She would stay up at night and she would just think about us hoping one day we could retire.

And Danielle, I lost mommy last year. She transitioned during my campaign time. There's still a hole in my heart. Mommy was my world, and nothing could replace her, and I felt your pain, but I thought about hearing how you teach children with special-ed. It shows the compassion that you learn from your mother. You're an American family. I say this over and over again, and what you have contributed - you've given us your daughter, and you've given us your mother. I cannot thank you enough. It's just my responsibility to keep this city safe, and I feel the weight of that every day. I'm committed to this. For 25 years, Danielle, I wore a bulletproof vest and I stood on street corners protecting the children and families of this city. I bring that energy as the mayor of the City of New York. There are no words that could define parents losing their children. There's nothing more unnatural than that, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry for the loss that violence has taken so many innocent people in this city. I'm committed to giving my all to protect the city that I love and the city that you love. It's a dark moment for us, but mommy said to me early in life, "Babies, there are going to be some dark moments. There are going to be some painful moments. You must turn that pain into purpose," and I committed myself to turn that pain into purpose. I recommit myself, and dedicate myself to Alison, a hero, and we cannot bring her back, but today, the commissioner and I are promoting her to the rank of captain. We want people to know what a brave hero your mom and your daughter was.

My heart goes out to you, not as the mayor, not as an elected official, but a son of this city and person, a human being. I'm so sorry. Thank God for your daughter. Let God bless the city. Let God bless the FDNY. Let God bless our families. Thank you.