Beloved and respected fire service veteran Sam DiGiovanna, who served as chief of the Monrovia Fire Department and was a regular contributor to NBCLA’s coverage of wildfires, earthquakes, floods and more, has died at age 66.
DiGiovanna died on New Year’s Eve after suffering a heart attack a few weeks ago.
Known as Chief Sam, he was a trusted public safety expert with a 40-plus year career in the field, someone to whom NBCLA staff members turned in the worst of times, including the January 2025 wildfires. DiGiovanna spent days with the station’s team to help explain frightening and rapidly changing situations with accuracy, clarity and care. He answered questions with patience and thoughtful consideration for the people affected by the crisis.
The native Angeleno’s remarkable fire service career started as a firefighter. He worked his way up through the ranks to serve as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, an agency he served from age 18 to 45. Most recently, he was chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, a position he served in since 2006.
Among DGiovanna’s duties at the Academy was serving as a liaison for the California Fire Marshal’s Office to develop relationships with Southern California communities, including many in the San Gabriel Valley. He also mentored and trained future firefighters, some of whom went on to serve at agencies around Southern California.
Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brooks said about 30% of the department’s workforce comes through the Academy.
“Just a genuinely good human being,” Brooks said. “Sam was one of those guys who would text me, literally almost every day. And it would always be something encouraging, or a scripture, or something else.
“I think to the fire service, there’s a statement we have of leaving the profession better than you found it, and if you want to talk about Sam, that was him. Just always putting others before himself and always trying to make a difference, not only in the fire service, but in the world.”
Jeremy Sanchez, Monrovia Fire Department chief, said DiGiovanna hired him as a probationary firefighter in the city.
“Prior to me being hired, he saw that I was looking to get into paramedic school, and he found a way to sponsor me to paramedic school and gave me the opportunity with the city of Monrovia,” Sanchez said. “Truly, I think that was in him, the mentorship, the energy, and the passion for people.”
DiGiovanna’s death was followed by an outpouring of tributes from local fire agencies and firefighting colleagues.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna,” the Monrovia Fire Department shared in an Instagram post. “Chief DiGiovanna dedicated 26 years to the City of Monrovia, serving with distinction in every role he held — Firefighter, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief — before retiring in 2006. His commitment to the fire service did not end there. He went on to spend more than 15 years shaping future generations as Chief of the Verdugo Fire Academy at Glendale Community College.
“His legacy lives on through the countless firefighters he led, mentored, and inspired. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him. Rest in peace, Chief. Your service and impact will not be forgotten.”
Known as Chief Sam, he provided a reassuring voice in uncertain times as a contributor for NBCLA, sharing his deep understanding of dangers from wildfires, severe storms, earthquakes and other potential disasters that come with living in Southern California. In addition to his calming on-air presence, DiGiovanna authored insightful articles for NBCLA.com that explained the science behind disasters, such as why recently burned hillsides are vulnerable to damaging mud and debris flows, warning signs of a landslide and preparing for a quick and orderly emergency evacuation.
His bullet point lists of important things to know during earthquakes, floods, windstorms and more are still used by the station’s digital team to provide clarity in uncertain and unsettling times.
DiGiovanna’s years of fire service experience made him an expert on the risks of natural disasters, but he went beyond authoritative warnings and empowered viewers and readers with actionable advice. Chief Sam’s useful tips included identifying parts of a home most vulnerable to wildfires, hidden dangers to watch for on the ground at your property after windstorms and what to inspect after a severe rainstorm at homes in recent burn zones.
Strong and shifting winds whipped up flames from two SoCal wildfires. Chief Sam Digiovanna had an update.
DiGiovanna’s focus on keeping the public safe went beyond major disasters. His contributions to NBCLA’s news coverage and keeping people safe encompassed a wide range of subjects, including timely advice for families during holidays, out-of-the-ordinary tips to avoid heat-related illness during hot summer days, resources for anyone struggling with mental health and even dos and dont’s during a rattlesnake encounter on hiking trails.
DiGiovanna also served as director of the California State Firefighters Association Board. He was the fire service trade association’s chief author of the California Fire Service Magazine.
“He will be remembered for the great generosity of his time, impeccable integrity, and the positive example and work ethic he set every day. the board said in a statement. “His legacy will continue through the many lives he influenced and the improvements he brought to the fire service and community safety. Every graduate of the Verdugo Fire Academy and reader of his articles will carry their lessons learned and will carry Chief DiGiovanna’s spirit in them, as we at CSFA will.”
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna explains the expected winds should be taken seriously as the current fire conditions make for an extremely dangerous situation. Amber Frias reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2025.
One of his last articles for the magazine, “Seasons of Becoming,” was published Dec. 18. Subtitled, “Love them while you still have them,” offers some poetic and thoughtful words of wisdom — hallmarks of Chief Sam’s writing, no matter the subject — about showing love to a parent before it’s too late.
“There’s no announcement, no warning, no moment where life taps you on the shoulder and tells you to look closely,” DiGiovanna wrote. “Things are changing. It happens quietly. You’re busy working, raising kids, paying bills, rushing through days that feel too short. And then one afternoon, you go home to visit your parents and something soft inside you shifts.”