LODD Announcement: Santa Clara County Fire Department Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg
It is with profound sadness that the Santa Clara County Fire Department and Santa Clara County Firefighters, Local 1165, share the passing of one of their own.
Battalion Chief Monique Vandenberg, 58, passed away on April 30, 2026, from job-related cancer after years of dedicated service fulfilling the mission of protecting lives, property, and the environment from fires, emergencies, and disasters.
Monique served with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for 22 years and was a valued member of the Hazardous Materials Team. She was widely respected for her leadership and became the first woman in the history of the Santa Clara County Fire Department to earn the rank of Fire Captain. She later achieved the rank of Battalion Chief, a milestone that reflected her determination, professionalism, and lifelong commitment to the fire service. She was known for her faith, her integrity, her commitment to mentoring younger firefighters, and her unwavering dedication to public service.
Monique is survived by her husband, Josh; their two children, Nadia and Weston; her mother, Nelleke; her brothers, Ted and John; and her sister, Lisa.
Battalion Chief Vandenberg will be remembered for her faith in God, her selflessness, determination, and steadfast dedication to protecting others. Her sacrifice and legacy will never be forgotten by her family, her fire service family, and the community she faithfully served.
A memorial service will be held in her honor.
When: June 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Calvary Chapel Church
1175 Hillsdale Ave.
San Jose, CA 95118
Attire: Class "A" Uniform