Colorado Springs marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with a heartfelt ceremony honoring retired Fire Captain Patrick Rogacki, who lost his life to a 9/11‑related illness. The event, held at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, featured remarks from Mayor John Hickenlooper, Police Chief Michael Bowers, Deputy Fire Chief Jayme McConnellogue, and Rogacki’s twin brother, Paul Rogacki.
Rogacki’s service and sacrifice
Captain Rogacki answered the call to serve on the ground in New York as part of Colorado Task Force One, helping with recovery efforts at Ground Zero. ABC News reports that more than 9,400 people have died from illnesses linked to the attacks, a figure three times higher than the 2,977 who perished on that day. The WTC Health Program also notes roughly 50,000 certified cancer diagnoses among responders and survivors.
“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,” Paul Rogacki said during his speech. He added that his brother’s passing reminds the community that the impact of the attacks continues to affect the bodies of those who searched the ruins and breathed in the dust.
Citywide remembrance
At 3:00 p.m., city officials gathered to lay a wreath at the fallen firefighter memorial. Deputy Fire Chief McConnellogue highlighted the generational shift within the department, noting that 20 firefighters were born after 9/11 and 36 were too young to remember the attacks. “For years we have promised ‘Never forget.’ Today, on this 25th anniversary, I ask something more of us: always remember and give that memory meaning,” she urged.
Later this month, Captain Rogacki’s name, along with other fallen first‑responders, will be permanently engraved on the memorial, ensuring his sacrifice remains visible to future generations.
Continuing health concerns
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the ongoing health challenges faced by 9/11 responders. The WTC Health Program’s data underscores the need for continued medical monitoring and support for those who put their lives on the line for the nation. Local health providers have been urged to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with 9/11‑related illnesses.
“[Patrick] 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 recalled, emphasizing the deep sense of duty that guided his brother’s service.
Looking forward
Deputy Fire Chief McConnellogue concluded the ceremony with a call to action: “Twenty‑five years ago, we asked one another, ‘Where were you?’ Today, let’s ask an even more important question: how will we remember?” The community’s response was a solemn affirmation that the legacy of 9/11 will remain a guiding force for Colorado Springs’ first‑responders and their families.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
