Mayor Lee Lights Coit Tower Red in Honor of Fallen SFFD Heroes Perez & Valerio
06/06/11—Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that Coit Tower will be illuminated in red this week in honor of fallen San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) heroes Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio, who both died tragically in the line of duty last week.
“Coit Tower and its storied history with the San Francisco Fire Department is a fitting location to offer a tribute to honor both Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio, two firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting the people of San Francisco,” said Mayor Lee. “We are reminded how much the men and women of the San Francisco Fire Department have sacrificed and put their lives on the line for our City everyday.”
“The outpouring of love and support from our Brothers and Sisters in the Fire Service, other uniformed services, as well as the community is very much appreciated at this difficult time,” said Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. “Mayor Lee and other City representatives have shown the Fire Department how much they value our service and our members. The Coit Tower tribute is a fitting show of honor and respect for Vince and Tony, their families and the other members of the San Francisco Fire Department who have lost two very dear friends.”
In 1933, Coit Tower was built atop Telegraph Hill at the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who bequeathed one-third of her estate to the City of San Francisco. Lillie Hitchcock Coit’s affinity for San Francisco firefighters was well known as she was an honorary member of the Knickerbocker Engine Company Number Five. Coit Tower honors both San Francisco firefighters and memorializes Coit’s devotion to San Francisco.
Coit Tower will be lit red starting Tuesday evening until Friday evening to memorialize SFFD Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio of Fire Station 26.
“Coit Tower and its storied history with the San Francisco Fire Department is a fitting location to offer a tribute to honor both Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio, two firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting the people of San Francisco,” said Mayor Lee. “We are reminded how much the men and women of the San Francisco Fire Department have sacrificed and put their lives on the line for our City everyday.”
“The outpouring of love and support from our Brothers and Sisters in the Fire Service, other uniformed services, as well as the community is very much appreciated at this difficult time,” said Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. “Mayor Lee and other City representatives have shown the Fire Department how much they value our service and our members. The Coit Tower tribute is a fitting show of honor and respect for Vince and Tony, their families and the other members of the San Francisco Fire Department who have lost two very dear friends.”
In 1933, Coit Tower was built atop Telegraph Hill at the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who bequeathed one-third of her estate to the City of San Francisco. Lillie Hitchcock Coit’s affinity for San Francisco firefighters was well known as she was an honorary member of the Knickerbocker Engine Company Number Five. Coit Tower honors both San Francisco firefighters and memorializes Coit’s devotion to San Francisco.
Coit Tower will be lit red starting Tuesday evening until Friday evening to memorialize SFFD Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio of Fire Station 26.