SFMTA Engineer and Inspector React Heroically to Save a Life on Market Street

We know that each day SFMTA employees help San Francisco residents and visitors as they travel our 49 square miles, but sometimes the circumstances surrounding that assistance are extraordinary.

Earlier this week, two of our SFMTA colleagues leapt into action to help a man who was attacked on Market Street at 5th Street. You may have read or heard about their heroic actions in one of two write-ups in The Chronicle (by Sarah Ravani and C.W. Nevius), on SFist, on NBC Bay Area, or most recently on KTVU, with interviews of the quick-acting Paulo De Souza, a construction inspector, and Frank Shreve, a stationary engineer.

KTVU Reporter Tara Moriarty takes a break to grab a quick snap with Tuesday's heroes: De Souza and Shreve.

The press coverage included thanks and praise from SFPD, acknowledging the key role played by De Souza and Shreve. Not only did they help keep the victim safe, they detained the suspect until the police arrived. As part of the team that oversees mechanical maintenance and repairs of our equipment in the Muni Metro subway stations, De Souza and Shreve were on Market Street at a fortuitous time.

Their quick and selfless actions saved a life — maybe two. As KTVU Ch. 2 points out, they also held the angry crowd at bay to protect the safety of the suspect who needed to be placed into police custody. Our director of transit, John Haley, stated in a letter to Muni personnel, “This extraordinary act of bravery and heroism saved a life and ensured that a dangerous individual will be turned over to the criminal justice system.”

“Their actions bring distinction and pride on themselves and on our agency,” said Haley. “Their courage and decisiveness are models for all people and make us proud to have them as part of the SFMTA family."