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
- Long Island City Rent Overcharge Lawsuit Seeks $50 Million Against DeveloperA Long Island City rent overcharge lawsuit seeks about $50 million from Rockrose Development, raising questions about billing practices, tenant protections, and legal oversight in NYC’s fast-changing rental market.
- Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island CityA 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
- Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel ShopHate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
- Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents SeparateA shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.
- College Point Community Responds After Senior Dog Taken From Front LawnA College Point senior dog was taken from her front lawn, sparking a neighborhood response and NYPD investigation. Learn how the community is working together after a senior dog was taken from front lawn.
Who Does This?
At the June 18 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee, President and Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones acknowledged that there had been no progress finding a tenant for the long-discussed medical space on Main Street. Hudson/Related Realty LLC had told him that filling the space, along with other vacant storefronts, was proving more difficult than expected.











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