(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Fire Marshal Brett Lacey has announced he will retire at the end of March after serving the Colorado Springs community for over 30 years.

According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), Lacey joined the department in 1992 as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer and has held the title of Fire Marshal since 1998. During his tenure, CSFD said Lacey has stepped up to lead in extremely challenging scenarios, including both the New Life Church and Planned Parenthood mass shooting incidents, the Waldo Canyon wildfire, and the Black Forest wildfire.

“Brett is known by many as a fire service leader, team member, change agent, mentor, educator, and friend. His efforts throughout his career have left a lasting mark on the fire service, not just locally, but also across the state, regionally, and on a national level,” said Fire Chief Randy Royal.

According to CSFD, Lacey is an Oklahoma State University alumnus, a registered professional engineer, and a certified safety professional whose dedication to the fire service industry spans over four decades. Along with his academic commitment to fire prevention, CSFD said Lacey’s “boots on the ground” skills and experiences gained from working in firefighter, paramedic, deputy fire marshal, and fire protection engineer positions contributed significantly to his success as Fire Marshal.

Also, among his accomplishments, CSFD highlighted his efforts to reduce disaster risk in the community. CSFD said Lacey spearheaded change by implementing mandates on Class A roofing materials in 2002, hardening structures and vegetation management within hillside areas in 2012, and establishing and expanding a nationally renowned and highly reputable Wildfire Mitigation program from the early 2000s through the present.

Lacey’s legacy is one that he has firmly cemented not only by ensuring the safety of the community but by upholding a devotion to service in his own family. The tradition of fire fighting within the Lacey family includes three generations–his father before him, and now his son, Keagan.

Keagan and Brett Lacey stand arm in arm outside of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. Courtesy: Brett Lacey

“The 32 years of service that he has provided to our community and its citizens have been truly focused on improving our public safety and ensuring the same in an excellent and professional manner,” said Chief Royal. “He can be proud of the positive impact that he has had as we take pride in having worked alongside him and appreciate him as a coworker and friend.”