Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal to retire March 9, 2027, after 40 years
Chief Randy Royal will retire from the Colorado Springs Fire Department on March 9, 2027, after 40 years, the department announced Wednesday. March 9 is Royal's work anniversary, and he will have been fire chief for six years when he retires. Royal worked as a paramedic and a battalion chief before becoming chief, and he helped build the department's tactical emergency services, which places medical personnel inside high-risk law enforcement operations.
A department news release listed the incidents Royal said he is most proud of handling. They include the 1997 blizzard, the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire and the 2013 Black Forest fire.
"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 the statement.
The city will begin a national search for the next fire chief on Oct. 1. The mayor will appoint a candidate, and the City Council must confirm the appointment.
Royal joined the department four decades ago. The department has not said whether an interim chief will take over before the permanent replacement is confirmed.
