LODD: Livermore Pleasanton Captain Paul Chenkovich
The members of Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Local 1974 are grieving the loss of one of their own in the line of duty.
On November 5, 2013 at approximately 9:15 a.m., retired Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Captain Paul Chenkovich passed away at his home in Sacramento after a courageous three year battle with occupational brain cancer. Paul was 48 years old and leaves behind a wife, a 8 year old daughter, a 15 year old son.
Paul grew up in Pleasanton, CA, 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, he 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.
Paul was a highly respected member of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department(LPFD), including many years of service on the Local 1974 Executive Board. During his career, Paul 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. 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, woodworking, gardening and road trips with his motorcycle club.
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.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Brother Chenkovich is also survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Memorial Services
A memorial service with full fire service honors will be held for Captain Chenkovich:
Memorial for Livermore Pleasanton Captain Paul Chenkovich
Friday, November 15, 2013 at 11:00am
St. Augustine Church
3999 Bernal Ave.
Pleasanton, CA
Additional information regarding a memorial for Brother Chenkovich is pending. Please bookmark this page for updates. For further information, please contact Vice President Gregg Stanford, Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Local 1974; (925) 337-3437; Gstanford@iaff1974.com
Remembrances
Donations for the Chenkovich family may be made through any Bank of America branch and donating to the Chenkovich Family Account, #164110012484. Donations and remembrances can also be mailed to:
Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Foundation
Attn: Family of Paul Chenkovich
4847 Hopyard Rd. Suite 4 PMB 303
Pleasanton, CA 94588