Lt. Vincent Perez (l) and FF/PM Anthony Valerio.
Previous coverage of this story here & here
A second firefighter injured Thursday while battling a blaze in San Francisco's Diamond Heights neighborhood died this morning, the mayor's office said.
Anthony Valerio, 53, died this morning, two days after a fire at a four-story home at 133 Berkeley Way claimed the life of his colleague Lt. Vincent Perez, 48, Mayor Ed Lee said.
Lee said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by the deaths and called the loss a "terrible tragedy" for the city.
"These two men have dedicated their lives to protecting the people of San Francisco for decades," Lee said.
Dozens of grim-faced firefighters from across the city flocked to the hospital to pay tribute to Valerio, whose death was yet another blow to the city, its firefighters and Engine Company 26.
The Diamond Heights station crew had already lost Lt. Vincent Perez, who died Thursday after being rushed to the hospital with Valerio and a third firefighter, Tracy Courtney. Courtney was released after being treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
Also on STATter911 …
- UPDATE: Complete LODD report from San Francisco Fire Department now available, – February 16, 2012
- San Francisco Fire Department releases report into deaths of Lt. Vincent Perez and FF/PM Anthony Valerio. Flashover caused when glass in sliding door shattered. – February 11, 2012
- Quick Takes: February 13, 2012. – February 13, 2012
- Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Paramedic Joshua Weissman dies after fall off of I-395 bridge. Watch raw video of press conference. – February 9, 2012
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R.I.P my brothers.
God Bless him and his family….
God bless them, their families and the SFFD.
My though and prayers go out to the friends, family and Co-workers of FF/PM Anthony Valerio.
There aren't any words that can/will express the deep saddness everyone in the San Francisco Fire Dept is going through. These Brave Public servants knew their job and they did it well. Unfortunately through no fault of their own a Terrible outcome has burdened their Families Brothers and Sisters of SFFD. Let us now Pray for their Souls and the strength that each of their Familiesmand Brothers and Sisters of SFFD will surely need in the days to come. Every Firefighter who believes in their purpose in serving and protecting the people will understand that at any given time on any fire scene the "May Day May Day Dreaded Call' does happen. One can only believe now more than ever each Firefighter must reach out and comfort those who have suffered this terrible loss. One would hope that as time goes on an internal After Action Review will take place. This is not to find fault with SFFD> The purpose of an AAR is to Listen and learn how better to combat and understand what happened, how best to deploy Personnel as Teams and most of all realize the souls of SFFD Lost Brothers are comforted. To those individuals who so freely feel the self serving need to openly criticize and question what did happen, what didnot occur, hold your thoughts. Back off now. To the Brothers and Sisters of San Francisco Fire Department, please be comforted the Souls of your Lost Brothers, are safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
To the Brothers and Sisters of Sanfrancisco Fire Department,
I SALUTE YOU
RIP Brothers. God bless you both and protect your families.