**Tributes Pour in for Trailblazing Fire Chief Monique Vandenberg**
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The Santa Clara County Fire Department is mourning the loss of Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg, who passed away on April 30 at the age of 58 due to job-related cancer. The California Fire Foundation announced her death, calling her a “trailblazer” within the firefighting community.
Vandenberg dedicated over two decades of her life to firefighting, becoming an influential figure as the first woman to achieve the rank of fire captain in the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD). Her commitment and courage have made a profound impact on her colleagues and the wider community she served.
According to reports, Vandenberg’s battle with cancer began in 2009 when she was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After a successful stint of treatment that led to remission, Vandenberg faced her second diagnosis in May 2025. This started after what was initially thought to be a routine dental procedure turned into a devastating health condition.
The GoFundMe page set up to support her during her cancer journey outlines the complications she faced. Following her dental surgery, she developed symptoms that were initially deemed as an infection, but after ongoing pain and medical consultations, doctors discovered a severe case of leukemia infiltrate, also known as myeloid sarcoma. This revelation hit her family and friends hard, as they had hoped for a straightforward recovery.
In her final months, Vandenberg received multiple rounds of chemotherapy at the Oasis of Healing clinic in Arizona. Support poured in from colleagues, with the Santa Clara County Firefighters’ union contributing $500 to the GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $10,000 to aid in her treatment.
The health risks firefighters encounter are significant, and statistics highlight that they are at an increased risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. According to UCLA Health, firefighters face a 9% higher likelihood of cancer diagnosis and a 14% greater chance of dying from the disease. This alarming trend underscores the dangers that come with the profession and the exposure to toxic substances encountered during emergency responses.
In light of the risks firefighters face, the California legislature has introduced various laws to acknowledge the health hazards linked to their work. This includes recognition of risks such as cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and post-traumatic stress injuries, facilitated through advocacy by the California Professional Firefighters (CPF).
Tributes have been flooding in for Vandenberg from her colleagues at SCCFD and the community at large. A statement from the California Fire Foundation expressed deep sorrow: “Her sacrifice and legacy will never be forgotten by her family, her fire service family, and the community she faithfully served.” This sentiment echoes throughout the firefighting community, as many remember her not only as a leader but also as an inspiration to those who aspire to serve in public safety.
A memorial service is set to take place at Calvary Chapel Church in San Jose on June 13, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate her life and contributions. She leaves behind her husband, Josh, their two children, along with her mother and siblings, who stand as a testament to her dedication, both in her personal and professional life.
As the community reflects on her legacy, Monique Vandenberg’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that firefighters make. Her courage, resilience, and trailblazing spirit will continue to inspire future generations in the field, paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles within the firefighting profession.