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A retired Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Captain has died after a three-year battle with cancer.
Paul Chenkovich, 48, died at about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at his home in Sacramento and is survived by his wife, an 8-year-old daughter, a 15-year-old son, his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Chenkovich 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, Chenkovich 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, Chenkovich was diagnosed with brain cancer. He retired from the fire department earlier this year and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in his battle against cancer.
Chenkovich 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 firefighters.
In addition to his passion for the fire service, what most enjoyed was the time he spent with his family. Chenkovich enjoyed spending time with his family, soccer, wood working, gardening and road trips with his motorcycle club.
Information on services is not yet available.
He looks so young! Very sad. Prayers to the family.
Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Chenkovich’s family. My father (David Boals) was the assistant fire chief for Hillsborough Fire Department back in 1994 and passed away from lung cancer that had spraid to his brain before it was detected. He passed away at the young age of 53. He was my hero and I have his badges and fire helmets proudly displayed in my home. My dad was my hero, and He loved his career. I am convinced that God takes those who are the most special at an early age because there is a much higher purpose for them. God bless all of our firefighters as they put their life on the line everyday for us. What people don’t realize are all of the hazardous environments our firefighters are exposed to, aside from the danger of fighting a fire: breathing in hazardous fumes from chemical fires, smoke inhalation, asbestos found in old fire departments, etc. Take a moment to stop and thank them for what they do. Because they are incredible people with even more incredible stories.
Paul’s dedication to saving people’s lives will live through his spirit and in your hearts for years to come. I am so sorry for your loss.
On Behalf Of Myself,my Family and I think I can speak on behalf of the members of the Warriors’ Watch Riders, we send our most deepest condolences
to the family ,friends and his crew. I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing the Capt. when we had our Welcome Homes. The FD and ALL its Crews from the Rookie to the Bat. Chief ALLWAYS stepped up and did the right thing. THANK YOU !!!!!!!The Riders will be standing the line for our Fallen Friend.