(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs community came together on Friday, Sept. 5, to honor the life and legacy of retired Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Captain Patrick Rogacki. He is considered a line of duty death, since his cancer came from his work at ground zero after 9/11.
Those who knew him at Friday’s procession said despite his job related illness, he had no regrets.
CSFD Chief Randy Royal said right before he passed, Captain Rogacki shared just how proud he was of serving his community and country.
“He had a glint in his eye and this little smile, that he always had, and he still had it. And he said, ‘I wouldn’t do anything different in my career,’ even though he succumbed to the impacts of his career,” said Royal.
From the Waldo Canyon fire, to 9/11, to the tactical medical team, and so much more–Captain Rogacki will be remembered by many as a humble, selfless, and smart leader.
“Really an amazing person, a sweet man,” said Kim Watson, who attended the procession on Friday.
To honor the hero properly, Friday included private ceremonies and a procession through the city.
“He came from a family of ten. He had ten siblings. There’s lots of stories. He was a very dedicated family man, had kids and then had grandkids… and what they shared about how he impacted their lives was, you know, obviously way more important than what he did in the fire service,” said Chief Royal.
He was a member of the department for 35 years, during which he held many different roles. People who didn’t even know him lined the streets to pay their respects.
“Certainly our hearts go out to the family. They also gave the ultimate sacrifice, along with him, by losing their family member and their loved one,” said Dan Frey, a retired firefighter who attended on Friday.
Rogacki left behind a legacy that everyone can look up to. It’s one of service, compassion, hard work, and dedication.
“I think it takes a special person to want to help people because not everybody out there wants to help others, strangers. And that’s the one thing about this profession is you’re helping strangers, you’re saving lives,” said Watson.
He was someone who went above and beyond, wherever he was needed.
“Pat was all about that. I mean, he was just a good guy,” said Chief Royal. “You know, he’s a guy that had some quirkiness, in a good way. And he made people laugh, and… he liked to laugh himself, but he was a very positive person. And again, like I said, not boisterous. He was just a good, good person that tried to do good all the time.”
According to Royal, following 9/11, more first responders died from working in the aftermath compared to the number of those who died in the actual collapse.