Santa Clara County Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg, 58, died on April 30 after what the California Fire Foundation has described as a job-related cancer. A 22-year veteran of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, she was the first woman in the department to be promoted to fire captain and later rose to battalion chief while serving on the hazardous-materials team. Family and colleagues have scheduled a memorial service for Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in San Jose.
Career and milestones
According to KTVU, Vandenberg spent 22 years with the Santa Clara County Fire Department and broke barriers as the department’s first female fire captain before her promotion to battalion chief. The California Fire Foundation said her rise reflected determination, professionalism, and lifelong commitment to the fire service, and colleagues remember her as a mentor who helped sharpen the department's emergency and hazmat response.
Union reaction and the toll of occupational cancer
Captain Anthony Fletcher, president of IAFF Local 1165, said in a statement to KTVU that "Monique Vandenberg embodied the very best of our profession." Union leaders have pointed to a broader crisis: the IAFF notes that occupational cancer has become the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service, and the organization is pressing for expanded screenings, improved decontamination protocols and safer gear. IAFF materials also highlight PFAS and other contaminants found in turnout gear and station environments as areas of concern.
Why firefighters face higher risk and what the law says
Researchers point to repeated exposure to smoke, soot and contaminated gear as likely drivers of elevated cancer rates among firefighters; UCLA Health reports firefighters face about a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis and roughly a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared with the general population. California law also contains a workers'-comp presumption: Labor Code section 3212.1 treats certain cancers that develop during service as presumed job-related, which can affect medical and death benefits for firefighters and their families. The statute's text is available via Justia.
Family, memorial and legacy
Vandenberg is survived by her husband Josh, their two children, her mother Nelleke and two brothers, family members said. Her sister's social posts reflected the family's grief and faith, and colleagues said Vandenberg's calm leadership and training work left a lasting mark on the department. Organizations that support fallen firefighters, including the California Fire Foundation, provide survivor assistance and help arrange memorials and resources for families. California Fire Foundation maintains a memorial and offers resources for families navigating benefits and ceremonies.
