A city fire lieutenant killed in the line of duty last weekend was laid to rest Thursday on Staten Island.
Family, friends and fellow firefighters said good bye to Gordon Matthew Ambelas, 40.
Thousands gathered in Staten Island as his flag draped casket was brought out of Saint Clare’s Church in Great Kills.
Lieutenant Ambelas was killed battling flames inside a cluttered 19th floor apartment in Williamsburg.
The medical examiner says he died from smoke inhalation and burns.
Firefighters from across the country came to pay their respects, adding that the loss is felt by every one who wears the uniform.
“To lose somebody like this is devastating to all of us. You don’t have to meet somebody – it doesn’t matter where it is. It’s devastating. It’s our common cause. We’re just trying to do the right thing. And this is what happens – unfortunately,” said Ed Mehnert of the FDNY.
“It is never easy and it never really goes away. You always remember them. You know – this is the bad side of our job,” said Mary Turner of the Indianapolis Fire Department.
Officials say the fire was caused by a pinched electrical cord.
Ambelas had been with the fire department for 14 years, and was promoted to Lieutenant just 10 months ago.
He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.
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