Lt. John Andrew “Andy” Ambers, 51, of Zionsville, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at his residence, Zionsville, In.
Andy was born April 8, 1972, in Lebanon, the son of John and Janie (Johnson) Ambers. He graduated from Lebanon High School with the class of 1990.
Lt. John Andrew “Andy” Ambers was firefighter for the City of Lawrence Fire Department for 26 years. Andy was an active member of the Firefighters Local 416 for his entire career and served as Lawrence District President for eight years. Andy’s passion to move the union forward and support his brothers and sisters was immeasurable. He regularly attended classes and conferences on leadership, negotiations, budgeting, and politics to become the best union supporter he could be. Andy was instrumental in negotiating contracts that made vast improvements in firefighter safety, pay, benefits, and pensions. He was able to secure Kelly days for firefighters, allowing for more time off to protect our mental and physical health. Andy organized fundraisers and events to keep the union strong and support local politicians. He arranged for regular presentations at union meetings so members would be informed about educational opportunities, retirement planning, cancer prevention, and mental health support. Andy helped form and assist union committees to further support union members. He was also actively involved in training new firefighters in recruit class. His support was not limited to just firefighters. Andy also campaigned for increased pay and Kelly days for the Lawrence civilian Paramedics and EMTs, who work beside the firefighters every day. Andy took thousands of phone calls from union members, fire chiefs, mayors, city council members and business leaders in support of his beloved brothers and sisters in the fire service. Andy’s impact on the lives and futures of so many is beyond measure. We love and miss you, brother.
Andy enjoyed fishing and was a practical jokester with his crew, family and friends. He loved to travel and explore new places. Andy was an avid sports fan, especially the Cubs and Philadelphia Flyers. He and his fiancé, Erin enjoyed attending many Flyers games together. He was a member of the American Legion Post 79.
Andy was the first recipient of Rookie of the Year award in his first year as a fire fighter. He was also a recipient the medal of Bravery, among many other awards. Andy participated in World Police and Fire games in 2001, he received bronze medal for soft ball and 2004, where he won a medal for bench press.
Survivors include his parents; fiancé and love of his life, Erin Quigley; daughter, Sarah McDonald; sister, Amanda (Steven) Perkins; and nieces and nephews, Tate, Rex and Nora Perkins. He leaves behind many cousins, friends and firefighters.
Family and friends will gather Monday, February 19, 2024 for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon
