A Brooklyn firefighter received special recognition from the city's top brass after losing his life in the line of duty.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the fire commissioner honored Lt. Matt Ambelas, a 14-year FDNY veteran, and three others during a ceremony at the Firemen's Memorial in Manhattan. Fellow firefighters say Ambelas died a hero while trying to save others when flames broke out on the 19th floor of a Williamsburg apartment back in July.

Ambelas was promoted to lieutenant less than a year ago, and worked at Ladder 119 in Williamsburg. News 12 spoke with Ambelas back in June when he was among the FDNY members honored for rescuing a 7-year-old boy whose arm got caught in a roll-up gate.

According to the medical examiner, Ambelas died from smoke inhalation and burns. Investigators say a pinched electrical cord had sparked that blaze. 

Ambelas was laid to rest on Staten Island, with hundreds of mourners paying their respects. He left behind his wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 8.