(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is encouraging members of the community to line the procession route for a retired CSFD Captain who passed away in August after a long and brave battle with an aggressive form of job-related cancer.
Captain Patrick Rogacki joined CSFD in 1979 and served with the department for 35 years before his retirement in 2014. According to the fire department, he was part of the Wildland Program, served as a Medical Lieutenant, and spent 15 years in the High Angle Rescue Program.
In addition to his dedicated work in our community, Captain Rogacki also responded to 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.”
On Friday, Sept. 5, a private ceremony will be held, followed by a procession through Colorado Springs beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m., which will pass CSFD Station 5, the last station Captain Rogacki was assigned to. Community members are encouraged to line the procession route and honor the life and legacy of Captain Rogacki.
Procession route:
Begins at the intersection of Uintah Street and North Cascade Avenue
Heads west to 30th Street
East on Colorado Avenue passed Station 5
East on Pikes Peak Avenue
End at CSFD Headquarters on Printers Parkway
After the procession, a private reception will be held at CSFD Headquarters.
According to CSFD, Captain Rogacki’s passing is considered a Line of Duty Death due to his illness being job-related.
“Firefighters who are diagnosed with and die from job-related cancer, even after retirement, are considered Line of Duty Deaths,” wrote CSFD. “This is due to their illness being directly linked to the dangerous conditions they faced while serving.”
