Fire Chief Randy Royal announces retirement

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

Born in Washington, D.C., with deep Colorado roots, Royal grew up in Monument, just north of Colorado Springs. The retirement date holds special significance, as March 9, 2027, will mark exactly 40 years since he joined CSFD on March 9, 1987.

Royal will have served 6 years as the Fire Chief by the time he retires and has served more than two decades in chief officer roles, beginning as a Battalion Chief in 2005.

For 28 years, Royal served as a paramedic, helping advance emergency medical care both within CSFD and throughout the fire and emergency medical service. During his time as a paramedic, he delivered 24 babies, including one who was named after him.

He was involved in the department's early hazardous materials and tox-medic programs, managed the Medical Division, and helped establish CSFD's Tactical Emergency Medical Services, which embeds specially trained medical personnel with law enforcement during high-risk operations including SWAT incidents.

Royal has also helped develop the department's Awards and Recognition Committee, led CSFD's Pandemic Task Force, and chaired the committee responsible for rebranding the department. That work helped create the patch worn by CSFD firefighters today, including the return of the words "To the Rescue," a phrase rooted in the department's earliest history and worn by the firefighters starting in1872, who paved the way for the department today.

Throughout his career, Royal has shared his experience and expertise with fire service professionals across the country and has been recognized with numerous honors,
including two Medals of Distinguished Service and the Firefighter of the Year award. In 2023, he was named George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. In 2024, he was named International Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Among the accomplishments Royal is most proud of are the department's response efforts during some of the most significant incidents in the region's history, including the Blizzard of 1997, the Castle West Apartment Fire in 2007, the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012, and the Black Forest Fire in 2013.

"It's hard to believe this time has come. I have loved my career and the wonderful men and women that I have been able to work with over the years," said Fire Chief Royal. "It has truly been an honor and the most rewarding opportunity to serve our citizens and visitors within the community of Colorado Springs, as well as having a front seat to seeing how the members of the CSFD have been able to influence the fire and medical services across our region and even nationwide through their pursuit of excellence and innovation. I am more than confident that the department is in good hands as they move into the future based on the caliber of our staff and their desire to positively impact our city's public safety each and every day."

Royal's career has spanned decades of growth and change in Colorado Springs and within the fire service itself. His contributions to the fire service have saved lives in his city and cities across the country. Through it all, his focus has remained on caring for the community, preparing CSFD for the future, and putting the mission first and the people always.

Under Royal's leadership, CSFD continued to advance innovation, becoming the first fire department in Colorado to implement a lifesaving whole blood program and expanding the use of technology, including Drone as a First Responder and Qwake C-THRU helmet systems, to improve patient care, situational awareness, and firefighter 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. He has led with courage, humility, and a deep commitment to mission first, people always. From advancing emergency medical care to leading through some of our community's most difficult moments, to embracing innovation that has made our city safer, Randy has dedicated his career to protecting others and preparing CSFD for the future," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "I have had the privilege of knowing Randy not only as an exceptional Fire Chief, but also as a friend and a man of deep character, faith, humility, and genuine care for others. I am deeply grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and four decades of unwavering service to Colorado Springs."

Royal will continue serving as fire chief through March 9, 2027. The city will conduct a national search for the department's next leader beginning October 1, 2026. Following the search, the mayor will appoint the next fire chief, subject to confirmation by Colorado Springs City Council.