As hundreds of firefighters gathered June 10 in San Francisco to attend memorial services for two firefighters who died while battling a house fire, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) set aside the last car of each train for the use of the visitors.

Fire personnel rode in fellowship in the last car of each train, using it as a meeting point where large groups of firefighters could gather as they rode to and from Civic Center/United Nations Plaza Station, located about one mile from St. Mary’s Cathedral, site of memorial services for Lt. Vincent Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Valerio of the San Francisco Fire Department.

“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,” said BART Board Vice President and retired Oakland Battalion Chief John McPartland. “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.”