NYC sends firefighter with its thank yous

Mathis Winkler

Friday, March 1, 2002 | 9:31 a.m.

Matthew Larstanna usually puts out fires in Brooklyn, N.Y., but this weekend the 44-year-old firefighter will serve as New York City's ambassador to Las Vegas.

He and 200 other firefighters will visit U.S. cities to thank people for their support since Sept. 11.

Larstanna just a week ago learned he would be representing New York in Las Vegas.

"I got lucky," he said, adding that he's not much of a gambler.

Larstanna and his wife, Sigrun, will stay at Binion's Horseshoe and dine at The Mirage, where they'll also take in a show. A meeting with Mayor Oscar Goodman is also on the schedule for the three-day visit.

Speaking from his home in Staten Island, Larstanna said he doesn't consider himself a hero.

"I don't think I should benefit from the 340 (firefighters) that were lost" in the attacks, he said, adding that since Sept. 14 he has helped with rescue work at ground zero.

"When I first got there, it was an unbelievable scene," he said. "I stood there in awe."

Things have returned to a more normal state in his city, though Larstanna said he is reminded of the attacks every day.

"Every time I go to work I see the city from the bridge, and tears come to my eyes," he said.

The ambassador program is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the New York City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Airlines have donated flights, and mayors are arranging accommodations for the firefighters during their stays.