FDNY Mourning Loss of Lt. Gordon Ambelas, Killed on Duty

NEW YORK (AP) — New York firefighters are mourning the death of a 40-year-old lieutenant killed when he became trapped on an upper floor of a Brooklyn public-housing high-rise.

Lieutenant Gordon Ambelas is the first to die in the line of duty in more than two years and 18th since 343 firefighters perished in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

FDNY spokesman Frank Gribbon says that Ambelas died after he became overcome by smoke while on the 19th floor of the 21-story building.

Two other firefighters were treated at Bellevue Hospital for minor injuries. Two residents received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

Ambelas is a married father of two daughters from Staten Island. He was honored last month for helping to save a 7-year-old boy who became trapped in a roll-down gate.

(Story by: Michael R. Sisak, The Associated Press with minor editing by WIBX)

Additional Information from WIBX:

Lt. Gordon M. Ambelas (Bat 28 / L 119) was appointed in February of 2000.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in September of 2013.