Vincent Aceves Perez was born on April 9‚ 1963‚ at Saint Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco. Vince was one of five children. He attended Saint Charles Elementary and Archbishop Riordan High School. Vince grew up on Wool Street in the Bernal Heights district of San Francisco. He loved vintage automobiles. As a teenager‚ Vince completely restored his two-tone 1951 Lincoln and cruised with the car full of his buddies every chance he could.

Vincent served as a member of the United States Marine Corps and was also an Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy before joining the San Francisco Fire Department.

On April 2‚ 1990‚ Vince joined the San Francisco Fire Department. He soon became a member of Engine Company 7 in the city’s Mission District. Vince had a childhood nickname‚ ‘Creature‚’ that stayed with him into adulthood and into the firehouse. Vince was a great fireman. He was always calm and deliberate at fires and other emergencies. On more than one occasion‚ Vince’s actions ensured that the crew came home safely. Vince was very humble and‚ in his own words‚ ‘a lone wolf.’ Vince was also known for his world famous ‘Italian Sausage Stuffed Pork Roasts.’ As he would say‚ ‘I’ve honed this recipe to perfection!’ Vince made lieutenant and left Station 7 for Engine Company 26 in the Diamond Heights District of San Francisco.

On June 2‚ 2011‚ while fighting a structural fire and attempting to search for victims‚ Lieutenant Vincent A. Perez was overcome by severe heat and fire conditions. Vince passed away at San Francisco General Hospital that morning. We all miss you‚ Creature‚ and know that you will never be replaced.