Latest news with #Sept.11
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
These are the only words we can offer to the Idaho firefighters
There are no words we can say to the community of America's firefighters who risk their lives every day and now, apparently, not only have to confront fire but watch their backs, too. There is something particularly nauseating about a creeper who would set a brush fire then start shooting at the first responders who rush to the scene to put it out. But it seems an even bigger abomination to read about the stunning ambush of firefighters on a mountain in Idaho on Monday, June 30, the anniversary of the day when 19 brave hotshots died on a hill in Arizona. At least nobody was shooting at them as they battled their final blaze. According to Idaho authorities, the gunman started a wildfire on a mountain popular with hikers, just north of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Then he proceeded to shoot at the firefighters who responded. Idaho firefighters were likely targeted Pandemonium broke out as first responders, intent on battling a fire, found themselves under heavy fire. 'Everybody's shot up here,' said one first responder in an urgent radio call for help. 'Send law enforcement now.' When the horror had ended, two firefighters were dead and a third was critically wounded. The suspected sniper, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was later found dead, hiding in the rugged terrain with his high-powered rifle. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional,' Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' It's difficult to fathom what could go through the mind of anyone who would set out to ambush firefighters. They're the men and women who dedicate their lives to rescue. They're the ones who ran into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, knowing they likely would never come out. And in Arizona, on a Sunday afternoon 12 years ago, they're the ones who battled a wildfire on Yarnell Hill near Prescott. Firefighters protect our communities, from Nettleton Gulch Fire to Yarnell Everyone in Arizona knows and reveres the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, overrun by fire in a box canyon when the hot, gusty winds suddenly shifted and no escape was possible. Nineteen of the 20 hotshots died that day. The only survivor was posted as a lookout when the fire overtook his teammates. Before it was done, the Yarnell Hill Fire burned more than 13 square miles and destroyed 127 buildings. The Nettleton Gulch Fire, as the Idaho tragedy has been dubbed, grew to 26 acres overnight, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. And there are the determined firefighters of Idaho, working still to put it out even as their teammates lay dead. There's a memorial to the Yarnell Hill Fire in Yarnell, and Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was dedicated in 2016 as a place to remember the 19 Arizona firefighters who were lost that awful day. But you don't need to travel to a place of tragedy to honor their sacrifice, not in New York City where more than 300 firefighters died after a terrorist attack and not in Yarnell, where 19 of Arizona's finest died fighting a fire started by lightning. And not in Idaho, where two firefighters succumbed to a sort of evil most of us simply cannot understand. There are no words we can say to the community of America's firefighters who risk their lives every day and now, apparently, not only have to confront fire but watch their backs, too. Actually, there are words. Just two. Thank you. Laurie Roberts is a columnist for the Arizona Republic, where this column originally appeared. Reach Roberts at or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @
2 days ago
Man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatal stabbing of 9/11 emergency responder
NEW YORK -- A New York man on Monday was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of a veteran emergency worker while she was on a break, according to prosecutors Peter Zisopoulos, 37, was convicted in May of second-degree murder for killing Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, then 61, as she walked from her fire department station to a nearby store for food in 2022. She was remembered by mourners as a dedicated public servant who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. There's no indication that Zisopoulos knew Russo-Elling. His public defender lawyer has said that Zisopoulos 'has a past psychiatric history going back to 2018.' The lawyer did not immediately respond to a message left with his office on Monday. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the killing 'brutal and senseless.' Russo-Elling was months away from retirement when she died. She was promoted posthumously from EMS lieutenant to the rank of captain. 'Today, we are appreciative that her killer has been sentenced to the maximum punishment: 25 years to life. This sentencing speaks to the brutality of the crime, and though it won't bring her back, I pray it will finally give her family the closure they deserve,' said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatal stabbing of 9/11 emergency responder
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York man on Monday was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of a veteran emergency worker while she was on a break, according to prosecutors Peter Zisopoulos, 37, was convicted in May of second-degree murder for killing Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, then 61, as she walked from her fire department station to a nearby store for food in 2022. She was remembered by mourners as a dedicated public servant who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. There's no indication that Zisopoulos knew Russo-Elling. His public defender lawyer has said that Zisopoulos 'has a past psychiatric history going back to 2018.' The lawyer did not immediately respond to a message left with his office on Monday. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the killing 'brutal and senseless.' Russo-Elling was months away from retirement when she died. She was promoted posthumously from EMS lieutenant to the rank of captain. 'Today, we are appreciative that her killer has been sentenced to the maximum punishment: 25 years to life. This sentencing speaks to the brutality of the crime, and though it won't bring her back, I pray it will finally give her family the closure they deserve,' said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. Monday's sentencing came after the unrelated fatal shooting of two on-duty firefighters in Idaho over the weekend. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Toronto Star
Man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatal stabbing of 9/11 emergency responder
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York man on Monday was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of a veteran emergency worker while she was on a break, according to prosecutors Peter Zisopoulos, 37, was convicted in May of second-degree murder for killing Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, then 61, as she walked from her fire department station to a nearby store for food in 2022. She was remembered by mourners as a dedicated public servant who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatal stabbing of 9/11 emergency responder
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York man on Monday was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of a veteran emergency worker while she was on a break, according to prosecutors Peter Zisopoulos, 37, was convicted in May of second-degree murder for killing Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, then 61, as she walked from her fire department station to a nearby store for food in 2022. She was remembered by mourners as a dedicated public servant who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. There's no indication that Zisopoulos knew Russo-Elling. His public defender lawyer has said that Zisopoulos 'has a past psychiatric history going back to 2018.' The lawyer did not immediately respond to a message left with his office on Monday. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the killing 'brutal and senseless.' Russo-Elling was months away from retirement when she died. She was promoted posthumously from EMS lieutenant to the rank of captain. 'Today, we are appreciative that her killer has been sentenced to the maximum punishment: 25 years to life. This sentencing speaks to the brutality of the crime, and though it won't bring her back, I pray it will finally give her family the closure they deserve,' said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. Monday's sentencing came after the unrelated fatal shooting of two on-duty firefighters in Idaho over the weekend.
