Thousands bid farewell to fallen San Francisco firefighters

[AsahinaKimi]

Matt Vaitiskis, a firefighter from Boston, said, "This is what we do. They would do it for me, the brotherhood transcends nations."

Lt. Vincent Perez, 48, and firefighter-paramedic Anthony Valerio, 53, were killed at a house fire

SAN FRANCISCO — Firefighters from around the country were among the thousands who gathered in San Francisco Friday to pay tribute to two city firefighters who died while battling a house fire.

Family, friends and firefighters from around the country were attending the services for Lt. Vincent Perez, 48, and firefighter-paramedic Anthony Valerio, 53.

The pair died of injuries they suffered while battling a fire at a home at 133 Berkeley Way on June 2. Perez died later that day and Valerio succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

A vigil was held for the two men Thursday night at St. Mary's Cathedral, the site of today's funeral being held at 12:30 p.m.

http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-news/1062582-thousands-bid-farewell-to-fallen-san-francisco-firefighters/