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
- Queens Public-Safety Incidents and July 4th Events Ripple Across Roosevelt IslandQueens public-safety incidents this week echoed across Roosevelt Island, with emergency responses, community events, and July 4th celebrations shaping the city’s rhythm.
- Queens Crime Headlines and Community Responses: Roosevelt Island’s ConnectionsQueens crime headlines and community responses have shaped recent conversations from subway stories to neighborhood events. Here’s how Roosevelt Islanders are affected and how the borough is responding.
- How Queens News Stories Affect Life on Roosevelt IslandHow Queens news stories affect life on Roosevelt Island, from public safety incidents and housing shifts to education events, offering insight into our connected communities.
- Roosevelt Island summer moments: Community, events, and the beat of the seasonExperience Roosevelt Island summer moments as neighbors gather, city events unfold, and community rhythms keep the season steady. Discover how our island balances celebrations and everyday traditions.
- Queens Neighborhood News and Community Updates from Across the RiverStay informed with the latest Queens neighborhood news and community updates from across the river, including public safety, events, and how neighboring stories shape our daily life.
What the Promenade Remembers
The light on the East River in the early morning is different from the light anywhere else on the Island. It comes in low and sideways, catching the water in long, uneven flashes. On certain days it makes the promenade feel less like a walkway and more like a corridor someone once meant to finish but never quite did. When I was younger I found the suggestion to stop and look at it faintly ridiculous.











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