Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg, of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, died on April 30
NEED TO KNOW
- Fire chief Monique Vandenberg died from “job-related cancer” on April 30 at the age 58, the California Fire Foundation announced
- Hailed as “trailblazer,” Vandenberg, who served as a firefighter for a total of 22 years, was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time in May 2025, per KTVU
- The 58-year-old was the first woman to become a fire captain of the Santa Clara County Fire Department
A “trailblazing” female fire chief has died from “job-related cancer” in California.
Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg died on April 30 after 22 years working as a firefighter with the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD), the California Fire Foundation (CFF) announced on Facebook.
“It is with profound sadness that the SCCFD and Santa Clara County Firefighters, Local 1165, share the passing of one of their own,” said the CFF. “Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg, 58, passed away on April 30, 2026, from job-related cancer after more than two decades of dedicated service. Her sacrifice and legacy will never be forgotten by her family, her fire service family, and the community she faithfully served.”…