~ Colorado Springs, CO - The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is mourning the loss of retired Captain Patrick Rogacki, who passed away on August 1, 2025 after a long battle with an aggressive form of job-related cancer. Captain Rogacki's illness was a direct result of his heroic work at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.

As a Search Group Manager with Colorado Task Force 1, Captain Rogacki 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 dedicated 35 years of service to the community before retiring in 2014.

During his time with CSFD, Captain Rogacki worked at some of the busiest stations in the city and held various roles such as part of the Wildland Program, Medical Lieutenant, and High Angle Rescue Program for 15 years. In his last five years as captain, he led the High Angle Rescue Program and played a crucial role in creating the CSFD "High Angle Rescue Techniques and Procedures" manual which has aided firefighters in safely performing hundreds of high-angle rescues.

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In addition to his duties as a firefighter, Captain Rogacki was also a dedicated member of the CSFD Honor Guard for many years. He led the group and supported official city events, graduations, celebrations, and memorial services for fallen firefighters. Every September, he served at the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs. He took great pride in supporting fellow firefighters and their families.

As part of Colorado Task Force 1, Captain Rogacki also provided assistance to communities across the country during national disasters. His rescue and recovery work brought closure to families who had lost loved ones. Notable deployments included assisting with the Space Shuttle Columbia crash in Texas and working at Ground Zero after 9/11.

Fire Chief Randy Royal expressed his condolences, stating, "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. 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."

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According to CSFD, firefighters who are diagnosed with job-related cancer and pass away, even after retirement, are considered Line of Duty Deaths due to their illness being directly linked to the dangerous conditions they faced while serving.

Captain Rogacki's memorial service will be private, but CSFD invites the community to line the streets during the procession to honor him and support his family. Details about the procession will be shared at a later date. The entire department is deeply saddened by Captain Rogacki's passing and will continue to honor his legacy of bravery and dedication to serving others.

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