The San Bruno community held a remembrance event at San Bruno City Park on September 9, 2012 for the pipeline explosion that occurred exactly two years ago, killing eight and destroying homes.

On a sunny, cool afternoon, the mayor unveiled a remembrance placard in recognition of the impact of the fire, and the eight people who lost their lives.

The mayor of San Bruno, Jim Ruane, gave an opening commemoration speech to the community. This was the second commemoration event held in recognition of the pipeline explosion. As the mayor asked for a moment of silence, there were people with tears running down their faces.

In an interview with the mayor, he described just how the event impacted the community, “this event is something good for all of us, it’s part of the healing process, we need this. We cannot undo what happened but we can definitely reflect.” This event brought the community together and showed just how much they care for one another. The mayor went on to say that although he himself did not have any family members effected by the fire, that the community as a whole is effected, and not just the neighborhood.

“It was nice that the community came together to help those that were impacted by the explosion and it was tremendous that the community outreached to help one another,” said Chief of Police, Neil Telford. “It was tragic that eight people lost their lives, and it was nice that the community comes to remember the eight people that lost their lives.” The Chief of Police was not personally affected by the fire, but as a member of the community, he still came to the event to talk to the victims who lost their homes and the family and friends who lost someone dear to them.

Many family members came to this event together to pay tribute to the lives that were lost and the homes that were destroyed.

“Well I guess we have to cope to be able to go back and start all over again,” said Nancy Hensel, a victim of the fire. ”That’s the only way to get the neighborhood back.” Hensel lost her home, her belongings, as well as her two cats in the fire. She described how she felt about the community coming together, coping with the aftermath. Hensel and her family were not in their home during the explosion, but she said the loss of their homes will always be a terrible experience for them.

Although there were tears and people who were not ready to open up to the media, the majority of the community had a positive outlook on their future.

Written on the placard at the San Bruno City Park: “As we gather here, we remember the humanity of our community and thirst for the words that will soothe our emotions, will never forget.”