Two years ago, Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer Corey Fischer was a victim of the first frightening wave of COVID-19. A popular figure along Main Street, his death shook the community, and then President/CEO Susan Rosenthal promised a memorial as soon as pandemic conditions allowed.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Passing of Officer Corey Fischer, PSD
At the time, RIOC released this information in a Daily Update…
“The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation mourns the passing of Officer Corey Fischer of the Public Safety Department (PSD). He passed due to complications from contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Officer Fischer was a 28-year veteran of PSD and leaves behind a wife and children. He was a fine officer who dedicated his life to serving the Roosevelt Island community.
“Flags on Roosevelt Island have been lowered to half staff in honor of Corey. We will announce more information about how we will celebrate his life and career in the coming days. We ask that all Roosevelt Island residents pause for a moment to remember the life of this good officer, husband, father, and friend.”
And then, we lost one more…
The Passing of Detective Wayne Jones
“We regret to inform you of the passing of Detective Wayne Jones, a 24-year veteran of the Public Safety Department (PSD). He leaves behind a wife and two children. He was an integral part of the department and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him and work with him.
“Detective Jones is the second PSD member to pass away from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please keep Detective Jones, Officer Corey Fischer, and all those affected by this pandemic in your thoughts and prayers.”
Update: Fischer To Be Honored
After missing multiple promised dates, yesterday, RIOC scraped together a perfunctory notice…
“We would like to take a moment to remember PSD Officer Corey Fischer, who we lost in early April of 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Officer Fischer was a dedicated member of PSD who served the Roosevelt Island community for 28 wonderful years.
“PSD will be honoring Officer Fischer and others in a memorial on May 22nd at McManus Field from 11 AM to 1 PM. Details to come.”
Detective Jones may or may not be among the “others.” But save the date, these gentleman lost their lives while serving the community in a perilous time. They deserve every moment we can give them.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Fall Prevention for Seniors: Make Your Apartment Safer, Nov. 20Fall prevention for seniors: Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 20 virtual roundtable tours a typical NYC apartment, with tips on landlord changes and balance. RSVP on Zoom.
- Thursday’s PSD blotter: two hospital runs, a trespass summons at 888 MainRIOC’s Nov. 12 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents: six medical calls, two alarms at 546 Main Street, and a late-night trespass at 888 Main Street that ended with a summons.
- Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw BuyersQueens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesMedicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
Ten Years, or Another Temporary Fix?
Roosevelt Island was built through public investment, then expected to support itself through development. The ten-year lease extension gives RIOC a rare chance to replace short-term deals with a financial system designed to outlast the people approving them.
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