BART designates last car of each train for those honoring fallen SFFD firefighters

Tomorrow BART asks riders to join the agency in extending sympathy to the hundreds of fire personnel riding BART together in the last car of each train as they make their way to and from tomorrow’s funeral honoring the two San Francisco firefighters who died battling a house fire on June 2, 2011.

Fire personnel will be riding in fellowship in the last car of each train, using it as a meeting point where large groups of firefighters can gather together as they ride to and from Civic Center/United Nations Plaza Station, located about one mile from the site of the memorial services.

BART expects firefighters from all across the West Coast to attend the services for Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio at St. Mary’s Cathedral beginning at 12:30 pm.

BART is asking its customers and employees to provide every courtesy to the firefighters attending the funeral Friday.

“While their names will be added to the state and national Fallen Fire Fighters memorials in Sacramento and at the U.S. Fire Administration in Maryland, their loss will be felt by all who knew them and shared by their brothers and sisters who have served in public safety,” BART Board Vice President and Retired Oakland Battalion Chief John McPartland said. “The dedication, bravery and selflessness of these two firefighters exemplify the very best in their profession. I want to personally express my condolences to the families.”

San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798 has established trust accounts at the San Francisco Fire Credit Union (SFFCU) for the families of Lt. Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Valerio. The link on the SFFCU’s website www.sffirecu.org for those who wish to donate on-line or people may contribute by writing a check to:

San Francisco Fire Credit Union
3201 Cailfornia Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Vincent Perez - Account #: 127252-S5
Anthony Valerio - Account #: 127253-S5