CSFD participates in 3rd annual Ritz Memorial Toy Drive

They might not ride around in a big red sleigh, but they do drive a bright red truck. The Colorado Springs Fire Department and UCHealth Memorial Hospital have partnered for the third year in a row for the Daryl Ritz Memorial Toy Drive.

The annual toy drive honors late Colorado Springs firefighter Daryl Ritz. Ritz, who was a CSFD firefighter for 33 years, displayed his giving spirit throughout the time on CSFD by helping to raise over $20 million for the children’s hospital burn unit and by collecting toys to deliver to the children.

Sadly, Ritz was murdered two years ago. CSFD Fire Chief Ted Collas remembers the beloved firefighter.

“Daryl had a heart for children, he always tried to do things to help kids especially around this time of year,” said Cheif Collas. “Whether it was supporting a burn fund with hot cars and cool times, whatever it was Daryl wanted to do things for the kids. And after his passing, we have had other firefighters, retirees that have joined the effort to make sure the kids are taken care of this time.”

Chief Collas says this is a special time of the year for CSFD. He also says it’s the least they can do to continue and honor Ritz’s memory and legacy.

This year, CSFD loaded up two full fire trucks which is up from the one they filled last year.