Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Mourns Loss of One of Their Own

Information from the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department—

On November 5, 2013 at approximately 9:15 a.m., retired Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Captain Paul Chenkovich passed away after a courageous three year battle with brain cancer. Paul was 48-years-old and leaves behind a wife, an 8-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son.

Paul is also survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Paul passed away at his home in Sacramento. He was under the care of U.C. Davis Hospice when he passed. Information on services is not yet available.  

Paul grew up in Pleasanton but started his fire service career with the U.S. Forest Service, and then spent 10 years at the El Dorado Hills Fire Department where he worked as a Firefighter and a Fire Engineer. In 2000, Paul joined the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department as a Firefighter.

He promoted to the rank of Fire Engineer and then to Fire Captain. In July of 2010, Paul was diagnosed with brain cancer. In 2013, he retired from the fire department.  

In addition to his passion for the fire service, what Paul most enjoyed was the time he spent with his family. He also enjoyed soccer, wood working, gardening and road trips with his motorcycle club. Paul was a highly respected member of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, and worked to improve firefighter and community safety through programs he oversaw ensuring that fire engines met performance standards and teaching members of the LPFD about the hazards of utilities, and how to prevent injury to the community and the firefighters. 

Captain Paul Chenkovich underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in the battle against cancer. He fought courageously when it was time to fight, but was graceful in his passing, sharing a tear or a hug with those close to him right until his last days. 

Share your memories of Chenkovich in the comments section.