Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella Death: Saugus Fire Lieutenant Remembered After Courageous Occupational Cancer Battle
The Saugus, Massachusetts, community is mourning the loss of Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella, a respected firefighter, dedicated public servant and beloved member of the Saugus Fire Department who passed away after a courageous battle with occupational cancer.
Lt. Drella, 58, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, surrounded by the respect and admiration of a community that knew him for decades of service. He was remembered as a committed firefighter, mentor, photographer and friend whose contributions reached far beyond the fire station.
A lifelong resident of Saugus, Damian Drella dedicated 39 years of service to the Town of Saugus. His career with the fire service began in 1987 when he joined as a part-time dispatcher. In 1991, he was appointed as a full-time firefighter, beginning a long career defined by commitment, bravery and service to others.
Known within the department as “Jug,” Lt. Drella became a familiar and respected figure throughout the local firefighting community and beyond. He served as Saugus K-7 and Citywide 251, earning recognition for his professionalism, dedication and willingness to help others.
Throughout his career, Lt. Drella received several commendations for lifesaving actions, crisis mitigation and evidence collection through his photography. His passion for documenting the work of firefighters made him especially admired among colleagues and fire departments throughout the region.
In 2025, he received the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merit, the highest departmental honor given to a member of the Saugus Fire Department. The award recognized his extraordinary contributions to the fire community, particularly through his photography and dedication to preserving important moments and stories.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Damian was remembered as a family man and a source of strength to those closest to him. He was the beloved husband of Andrea (Cohen) Drella and a proud father to his two sons, Firefighter Alexander Drella and Firefighter Christian Drella. He was also a grandfather to Cooper, who brought him great joy.
For many firefighters and community members, Lt. Drella represented the values at the heart of the profession — courage, loyalty, compassion and service. His colleagues remembered not only the work he performed but also the laughter, friendship and encouragement he brought into the lives of those around him.
His battle with occupational cancer highlighted the risks faced by firefighters who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Despite his illness, Lt. Drella continued to inspire those around him through his strength, determination and connection to the fire service community.
Tributes poured in from firefighters, public safety partners, friends and residents who recognized the impact he made during nearly four decades of service. Many remembered him as someone who captured the moments of others while creating lasting memories for the firefighting community himself.
Funeral services were scheduled to allow family, friends, colleagues and community members to gather in his honor. Visiting hours were held at Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home in Saugus, followed by a funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church and burial at Riverside Cemetery.
The passing of Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella marks a significant loss for Saugus and the wider firefighting community. His decades of service, dedication to his department and commitment to preserving the stories of firefighters have left a lasting legacy.
He will be remembered not only as a lieutenant who answered the call of duty but as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend whose influence will continue through the many lives he touched.
May Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella rest in peace, and may his family, fellow firefighters and the entire Saugus community find comfort in the memories of his remarkable life and service.