Colorado Springs fire chief announces upcoming retirement after 40 years with department

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) confirms that after 40 years with the department, Fire Chief Randy Royal will retire on March 9, 2027.

According to CSFD, March 9 will mark exactly 40 years since he joined the department in 1987. Officials say that by the time he retires, Royal will have served six years as chief.

Royal served as a paramedic for 28 years, during which he delivered 24 babies, including one named after him, says CSFD.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal will retire March 9, 2027, after 40 years with the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) and nearly five decades in fire and emergency medical services.

According to CSFD, his retirement date will mark exactly 40 years since he joined the department in 1987.

Royal, who grew up in Monument, has served as fire chief for six years and spent more than two decades in leadership roles, officials say.

During his 28 years as a paramedic, CSFD says Royal helped advance emergency medical services in Colorado Springs and beyond. He delivered 24 babies during his career, including one whose parents named the child after him.

According to CSFD, Royal also helped establish the department's Tactical Emergency Medical Services program, which places specially trained medical personnel alongside law enforcement during high-risk operations, including SWAT incidents.

Throughout his career, Royal has held several leadership positions, including managing the department's Medical Division and leading its Pandemic Task Force. He also helped develop the department's Awards and Recognition Committee and chaired the committee that redesigned the department's patch, CSFD said.

As fire chief, Royal oversaw several initiatives to improve emergency response and firefighter safety. Under his leadership, CSFD became the first fire department in Colorado to implement a whole blood program. The department also expanded its use of technology, including Drone as a First Responder and Qwake C-THRU helmet systems, according to officials.

Royal said he has enjoyed working alongside the men and women of the department and serving Colorado Springs residents and visitors.

"It has truly been an honor and the most rewarding opportunity to serve our citizens and visitors within the community of Colorado Springs," Royal said.

In addition to his work in Colorado Springs, Royal has been recognized for his contributions to the fire service. CSFD says Royal received the George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year award from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control in 2023. In 2024, he was named International Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade praised Royal's four decades of service, highlighting his leadership, emergency medical advancements and commitment to public safety.

"Chief Randy Royal has given 40 years of extraordinary service to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and his impact will be felt for generations," Mobolade said.

Royal will remain fire chief until his retirement date. The city plans to begin a national search for his replacement on Oct. 1, 2026. The mayor will appoint the next fire chief following the search, subject to confirmation by Colorado Springs City Council.

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