Fallen San Francisco Firefighters Honored In Sacramento
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – Two San Francisco firefighters, who lost their lives battling a blaze in Diamond Heights in June, were honored posthumously in Sacramento on Saturday.
Lieutenant Vincent Perez and firefighter and paramedic Anthony Valerio were remembered for their courage in fighting the blaze at 133 Berkeley Way.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
"They join a long list, dating back to 1850, of the men and women in this state that have shown the same courage," said California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson.
In total, there are more than 1,100 firefighters who have died in the line of duty in California.
Valerio's sister, Jacqueline Samsel, said the tribute was a fitting honor for both her brother and Perez.
"We still get cards from people. My mom still gets them, my dad still gets them," she said. "He was just a really wonderful person, a great brother, a great uncle. He was just a great person."
California Governor Jerry Brown told the hundreds gathered at Capitol Park that the 30 fallen firefighters honored on Saturday exemplify the kind of virtues that this nation desperately needs.
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