July 7, 2014

Gordon "Matt" Ambelas - Firefighter - New York City

Lieutenant Gordon Ambelas, age 40, of Staten Island, died in the line of duty on July 5, 2014, in New York City. 

Gordon Ambelas
Many of his comrades called him "Matt".

Lieutenant Ambelas was a member of the New York City Fire Department. He was assigned to Battalion 28 in Brooklyn. He had 14 years of service.

About 9:30 p.m., a fire broke out on the 19th floor of a 21 story public housing complex in Brooklyn. Lieutenant Ambelas and other firefighters were searching for people who may have been trapped in their suites. An overloaded air conditioning electrical cord that became pinched may have caused the fire.

Gordon suffered multiple injuries on the 19th floor. He was found unconscious inside one of the suites that he was searching.  

The New York City Fire Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. He is a hero to his comrades. He will be forever remembered.

He had been honored last month for helping to save a 7-year-old boy who became trapped in a roll-down gate in May. The boy was pulled 15 feet off the ground when his arm and head got stuck.  

Gordon had worked at Ground Zero after the September 11 Twin Towers tragedy. He had also worked in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Matt
and for those who have lost
him
Gordon Ambelas was promoted to lieutenant just 10 months ago.

A fund for the education of Gordon's two young daughters has been set up.  If you wish to contribute you can make a check made payable to the "Ambelas Children’s Education Fund" and mailed to: 

The FDNY Foundation, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. 11201.  Online donations are expected to be available shortly.

Gordon's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Gordon is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members, including his wife and his two daughters.

Thank you for your service to the public, Gordon.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Gordon is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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