Starting in the early hours of Wednesday October the 5th, long before the sun would come up, First Responders from around the country would start to gather at the Tiles Center in Brookville New York. A steady rain shower hung over, as if the sky was crying with us. The media would setup their cameras on the hillside overlooking the main entrance with a Birdseye view of the ceremonies that were to begin. Inside staff would decorate the stage of this magnificent Performing Arts center, with flowers, flags, photos and other symbolic items representing a life of service to others.
Slowly a line would start to form near the entrance and extend down the road. As the time grew closer to the start of her funeral, the line would continue to grow and eventually extend a mile and half in a show of respect.
Then would come the distinct sounds of the NYPD motorcycles roaring down the road towards the entrance, a signal that the funeral of a first responder is about to begin. As the sound of the motorcycles fades away, the faint sound of the Pipes and Drums begins to fill the air. Escorted by several Police Cars and the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Alison’s Emergency vehicle, number 952 would appear, freshly washed and waxed with her name now displayed in gold leaf on the side.
Coming into view the Pipes and Drums walking in step to the sounds of their drums. Following behind on this day, Alison would take one last ride in an FDNY Ambulance, used as a caisson, her coffin would be transported in this time-honored tradition. As the ambulance comes to a stop, EMT's and Paramedics from Station 49, open the doors, slowly remove her flag draped coffin. Marching into this grand building her coffin would eventually make its way to the stage with the seats slowly filling with family, friends and first responders.
Over the next two hours, she would be eulogized by city officials, coworkers and family.
One of the most powerful to speak was he father Frank Fucco who said "That man murdered my daughter and she would be the first one to come to his aid if he ever needed help". The Fire Commissioner would posthumously promote Alison to the rank of EMS Captain, presenting the badge to her parents. As the ceremony came to end, a loan guitarist would play, mourners would file back outside and the procession would reverse direction marking end to this chapter.
Unfortunately the next chapter in this story has only just begun and that is getting justice for this brutal murder.
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