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
- What’s New Across Western Queens: Safety, Community, and Spring at Our DoorstepExplore what’s new across Western Queens this week, including safety updates, casino developments, real estate, and local dining—news that shapes Roosevelt Island life.
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
Rivercross and the Quiet Green Light
Rivercross privatization was enabled in 2010. This matters now because the same governance structures that allowed Rivercross to privatize without formal conflict controls are still in place. The same public authority oversees land leases, settlements, and redevelopment decisions that affect every resident on Roosevelt Island today.
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