The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is saddened to announce the passing of retired Captain Patrick Rogacki on August 1, 2025. He bravely fought an aggressive form of job-related cancer for a long time.
Captain Rogacki’s illness was a result of his heroic work at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. As a Search Group Manager with Colorado Task Force 1, he spent countless hours in the dangerous and hazardous debris piles, focusing on safety and recovery efforts for those lost in the tragedy.
He joined CSFD in 1979 and retired in 2014. During his time, he worked at some of the busiest stations in the city. He was part of the Wildland Program, served as a Medical Lieutenant, and spent 15 years in the High Angle Rescue Program. He led this program as captain for the last five years ofhis career. Captain Rogacki also helped create the CSFD “High Angle Rescue Techniques and Procedures” manual. This manual has aided firefighters in performing hundreds of high-angle rescues safely.
He was a dedicated member of the CSFD Honor Guard and led the group for many years. He supported official city events, graduations, celebrations, and memorial services for fallen firefighters. Each September, he served at the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs. He took pride in supporting firefighters and their families. As part of Colorado Task Force 1, he helped communities across the country during national disasters. His rescue and recovery work provided families with closure when they lost loved ones. Notable deployments included the Space Shuttle Columbia crash in Texas and Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.
“Captain Rogacki served our community and citizens with excellence for 35 years. He was a passionate and dedicated firefighter who always went above and beyond, whether on a single alarm or in broader roles with the CSFD Honor Guard and Colorado Task Force 1,” said Fire Chief Randy Royal. “We are saddened that his service at Ground Zero led to his passing, but we are proud of the positive impacts he made locally and nationally. We are honored to have had him as part of the CSFD family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and we look forward to honoring him at his memorial service.”
Firefighters who are diagnosed with and die from job-related cancer, even after retirement, are considered Line of Duty Deaths. This is due to their illness being directly linked to the dangerous conditions they faced while serving.
Captain Rogacki’s memorial service will be private. CSFD invites the community to line the streets to honor him and support his family during the procession. Details about the procession will be shared at a later date.