The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has selected Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal as the Career 2024 Fire Chief of the Year. Chief Royal was awarded the honor on the morning of Wednesday, August 14th at the 2024 Fire-Rescue International Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Since 1996, the prestigious International Fire Chief of the Year award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service on an international level. There are more than 22,000 fire chiefs in the country from volunteer and career departments.
In 2023, Chief Royal was awarded the Division of Fire Prevention and Control State (DFPC) George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year for his positive contributions to leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the Colorado Fire Service as a whole.
Chief Royal has been a member of the CSFD since 1987 and has worked in emergency services for over 42 years (with 28 years as a paramedic). He has served as a Chief Officer for over 16 years as a Battalion Chief, Shift Commander, and Deputy Chief. He was sworn in as Fire Chief in 2021.
During his career, he has been involved in many CSFD programs and projects including the initiation of the tactical emergency medical program, working in the early hazmat and tox-medic programs, managing the medical division, helping develop the awards and recognition program, chairing the department’s rebranding committee, and leading the pandemic taskforce. He has been recognized over his career with numerous awards including two Medals of Distinguished Service and the Firefighter of the Year award. He is proudest for being recognized as part of the department’s efforts with the Castle West Apartment, Waldo Canyon, and Black Forest fires.