10/07/2026
Your Sonoma Valley Firefighters mourn the loss of Retired Kenwood Fire Chief Daren Bellach.
On Friday October 2, 2026 Sonoma Valley Fire, the Kenwood community and the fire service as a whole suffered the loss of a dedicated public servant all too soon. Chief Bellach was 55 years old.
Chief Bellach was diagnosed with occupational cancer in 2024, almost immediately after his retirement. He fought courageously during the two year battle with this disease.
Chief Bellach began his career as a Volunteer Firefighter for Kenwood Fire District in 1989 and was hired as the district’s first full time employee in 1994. Throughout his career he filled the roles of fire mechanic, arson investigator, driver training instructor, zone 3 academy coordinator, explorer post advisor, training officer and many other roles. Over his 36 year career, he was promoted to the positions of Fire Captain, Assistant Chief and ultimately Fire Chief in 2017.
Under Chief Bellach’s leadership, Kenwood navigated the 2017 and 2020 wildfires, increased service to the community through full-time staffing and he was instrumental in the successful consolidation with Sonoma Valley Fire District which allowed for paramedic services to be provided to the community he cared for so deeply. Upon his retirement in 2024, he immediately became a Volunteer Firefighter with Sonoma Valley Fire District, continuing to serve the community he loved.
We asked that you keep Chief Bellach’s wife, Michelle, and sons, Austin, Tyler and Lucas in your thoughts during this extremely difficult time.
Thank you all for your continued support.
