COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — The Colorado Springs community will honor retired Fire Captain Patrick Rogacki with a procession on Friday, remembering a hero who served his city for 35 years.
Rogacki dedicated more than three decades to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, answering calls that took him far beyond his home city. His service included responding to disasters across the country, most notably at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The veteran firefighter died on August 1 from cancer related to his work at Ground Zero and his role as a first responder. Despite his retirement from the force, Rogacki's death is considered a "Line of Duty Death" as the department recognizes that this is due to the dangerous conditions they experience while serving.
The procession honoring Rogacki is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Colorado Springs Fire Department is encouraging community members to line the streets along the procession route to pay their respects to Rogacki's life and legacy of service.
🚒PROCESSION INFORMATION🚒
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) September 3, 2025
On Friday, September 5th, at approximately 12:30 p.m., following a private ceremony, a procession will take place to honor the life and legacy of Retired CSFD Captain Patrick Rogacki.
A map of the procession route is attached.
We encourage our… pic.twitter.com/Mo0rBRaGHy
The route will leave near the intersection of Uintah St and N Cascade Ave. It will travel to 30th Street and then down Colorado Ave. The procession will pass CSFD Station 5, the last station Captain Rogacki was assigned to. From there, it will proceed east and end at CSFD Headquarters, where a private reception will take place.
Rogacki's story reflects the sacrifice made by countless first responders who answered the call on September 11 and in the days that followed and the call to serve their communities daily, many of whom continue to face health consequences from their heroic service.
Joining CSFD in 1979, Rogacki retired in 2014, but during his time, he was an influential member of the department, leading and serving on the department's honor guard for many years.
“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.”
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