FDNY Members Thanked for Rescuing Brooklyn Boy

FDNY members were described as heroes on June 26 as the family of Mendy Gottlieb thanked the men and women who saved the 7-year-old boy when he was trapped in a roll-down gate on May 8.

“It’s a great honor to represent the Department here today,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “Our members don’t do their job for the recognition. Mendy’s life is reward enough.”

The boy was playing on a gate outside a parking garage on Skillman Street in Brooklyn, when his arm and head got stuck and he was pulled 15 feet off the ground. Firefighters from Engine 211, Ladder 119 and Rescue 2 removed him within 15 minutes using an airbag and Hurst tool.

“We are paying tribute to the FDNY, who responded when the boy was in real danger,” Rabbi David Niederman, President of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn, said. “The firefighters arrived as messengers and saviors.”

The boy’s parents presented the firefighters with plaques recognizing their work.

“I would hate to think of what would have happened without your help,” Abraham Gottlieb, the boy’s father, said.

Firefighter Lashawnda Brinson, detailed to Ladder 119 that day, just graduated from the Fire Academy in December.

“It was my first job at this level,” she said, noting she was grateful she was able to help. “I just kept thinking about my own daughter.”

Lt. Gordon Ambelas, who also was working in Ladder 119 that day, said he was humbled to receive such an honor. “[This incident] shows that FDNY members are always ready to help others. It was great teamwork all around.”

{NewYorkBuffMedia Newsroom - Photos by JDN}