CSFD mourns firefighter who faced job-related cancer after helping in 9/11 search and rescues
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is remembering one of its own, a longtime captain who dedicated more than three decades to serving the community, and who later battled job-related cancer after helping at Ground Zero.
CSFD says his work led to job-related cancer, which he had been battling for quite a long time, and resulted in his passing.
"He was the type of guy that was always there to help other people out in whatever way he could," Fire Chief Randy Royal said. "Very passionate about the job, about being a firefighter and serving folks, and dedicated to that cause."
According to the CDC, cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society says that smoke and hazardous materials pose a risk to firefighters. As materials burn, many release carcinogens.
Royal says working at Ground Zero meant long-term exposure to toxic materials, including asbestos, chemicals, and pulverized building debris. "Now there’s been actually more first responders that have passed away post-9/11 than did that day, and Patrick is one of those," he said.
Despite those risks, Royal says Rogacki never hesitated to serve and kept a positive attitude even in his final days.
“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 in a press release. “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.”
CSFD says Captain Rogacki was with the department for roughly 35 years. Besides helping after 9/11, he was sent all over the United States in times of crisis, including assisting after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Captain Rogacki's honors will take place Sept. 5th. The private service will be followed by a public procession from the funeral home, past Station 5, Rogacki’s former fire station, down Colorado Avenue, and past the Fallen Firefighter Memorial before ending at a reception.
His name will be added to the department’s memorial wall, the local fallen firefighter wall, and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Maryland at a later date.
Royal says Rogacki’s legacy extends far beyond his daily duties.
"He wasn’t just here as a firefighter or fire officer and just come in, do your work and go home. He was involved above and beyond that every single day."
The department plans to announce the exact procession route soon so the public can line the streets to pay their respects.
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
