NEW YORK (AP) — A wake is being held for the FDNY veteran who died while searching for victims in a burning, cluttered high-rise apartment.
The medical examiner’s office has determined that Lt. Gordon Ambelas (am-BEHL’-ihs) died from smoke inhalation and burns. A pinched electrical cord has been blamed for the Saturday night fire in Brooklyn.
The wake for the father of two is being held Tuesday and Wednesday on Staten Island. His funeral will be Thursday.
Ambelas had been promoted to lieutenant 10 months ago. Throughout his career he helped the city through its darkest hours, including the recovery from 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy.
His death was the department’s first in the line of duty in more than two years.
