Statement by Rabbi David Niederman and
the Gottlieb Family on the Tragic Passing of FDNY Lt. Gordon Ambelas
On
June 26th, Lt. Gordon Ambelas and his company – together with two
other fire companies - were honored by Commissioner Nigro, Rabbi Niederman, and
the Gottlieb family for saving the life of their son Mendy from a role up gate.
(For more, visit here).
Less than 10 days later, the community was shocked to learn that he passed away
while rescuing another precious life in Williamsburg. The following are the
statements by Rabbi David Niederman and the Gottlieb family.
“We
are deeply saddened by the passing of Lt. Gordon Ambelas while saving yet
another life, less than 10 days after we were honoring him for saving the life
of Mendy Gottlieb. We express our deepest condolences to the family and we keep
his two young daughters in our prayers. We also want to share our condolences
with the FDNY as a whole, and specifically Ladder 119, and the Hooper St.
station-house. Lt. Ambelas’ memory will live on in Mendy and the many others he
saved, and of course in the precious family he’s leaving behind,” said Rabbi
David Niederman, Executive Director of the UJO of Williamsburg.
“This
tragic story shows the dangers the lieutenant and all FDNY members put
themselves in, willingly and knowingly, to save others. They are really the
bravest,” Rabbi Niederman concluded.
Statement
by the Gottlieb Family: “We
were shocked and devastated to hear about the tragic death of Lt. Ambelas, the
savior of our child Mendy. He literally sacrificed his life for others. I hope
that his family finds solace in the so many lives that are living on because of
him. May his family have no more sorrow.”
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| Right: Assemblywoman Maritza Davilla, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, Lt. Ambelas (with plaque), Mendy, Rabbi David Niederman (second to left), and father Abraham Gottlieb (left) |
