25 years later, Colorado Springs reflects on 9/11’s lasting impact, both mental and physical
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - 25 years ago, time stood still. However, an ever-increasing number of adults either weren't born or were too young to remember where they were on September 11, 2001.
At the same time, the terror attack continues to claim more lives, years after the fires were extinguished and debris cleaned up, even as far as 2,000 miles away from Ground Zero in southern Colorado.
ABC News reports that more than 9,400 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses, according to recently published data from the WTC Health Program, which is three times higher than the 2,977 who died in the attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Data from the WTC Health Program shows that about 50,000 cancer diagnoses have been certified.
One of those deaths and cancer diagnoses was that of retired Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Capt. Patrick Rogacki.
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He answered the call as part of Colorado Task Force One, going to Ground Zero to aid in recovery efforts after the deadly attack.
"September 11th, 2001, has always been a tragedy that we recall so clearly in our minds. As of August 1st, 2025, when our own hero died, it became an even more somber day," Patrick's twin brother, Paul Rogacki, said during a speech at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
At 3:00 p.m., the City of Colorado Springs commemorated 25 years since the horrific tragedy with speeches by the mayor, police chief, deputy fire chief, and Rogacki, plus the laying of a wreath at the fallen firefighter memorial.
"Patrick's passing reminds us that the impact of 9/11 did not end on that day. It continued quietly over years in the bodies of the men and women who searched the ruins, who breathed in the dust, who carried the weight of that mission long after the world moved on," Paul Rogacki said.
Time certainly has moved on. CSFD Deputy Fire Chief Jayme McConnellogue said 20 members of the fire department were born after 9/11 and 36 were too young when it happened to remember the attack.
"For years we have promised. Never forget. But today, on this 25th anniversary, I ask something more of us," CSFD Deputy Fire Chief McConnellogue said, "Always remember. Never forget. Asks us to hold on to a memory. Always remember asks us to live in a way that gives that memory meaning."
Later this month, Capt. Patrick Rogacki's name, along with others who died in the line of duty, will have their names engraved on the fallen firefighter memorial.
"[Patrick]'s told family members, even with what he dealt with, he would do it again, that he did not regret a single minute of it," Paul Rogacki said.
"25 years ago, we asked one another, 'Where were you?' Today, let's ask an even more important question, 'How will we remember?'" CSFD Deputy Fire Chief McConnellogue asked.
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