Firefighter Yaroslav Igorevich Katkov was born December 18, 1990 to parents Nadia Katkov and Igor Katkov in Kharkov, Ukraine. In 1994, the Katkov family relocated to Toronto, Canada and in 1996 moved to Oakridge, Tennessee. In 1998, the family moved to San Diego. Yaroslav graduated from Scripps Ranch High School where he participated in several sports including football, track, and wrestling. While on the wresting team, Yaroslav won the San Diego City Wrestling Championship.
Yaroslav attended San Diego State University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. With a desire to serve others, he began his fire service education at Miramar College. He began his fire service career as a San Diego County Reserve Firefighter assigned to Fire Station #79 on Palomar Mountain. In August 2018, he was hired by CAL FIRE San Diego Unit and assigned to Fire Station #16 in the community of DeLuz.
Firefighter Katkov was a dedicated professional firefighter. He came to the United States from Ukraine with his family as a child, learned the English language, graduated from college and achieved his dream of becoming a firefighter. Yaroslav proudly dedicated his life to serve and protect our community.
On July 29, 2019 Firefighter Katkov passed away after suffering a medical emergency while training with his engine company. He is survived by his parents, Igor and Nadia; brother, Vsevolod (Sam); two nephews, and his girlfriend, Ashley Vallario.
The following is the video by Supervisor Jim Desmond addressing the Board of Supervisors about Firefighter Katkov.
https://fox5sandiego.com/2019/08/06/celebration-of-life-to-be-held-for-firefighter/
