Today, October 19, 2023, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the Colorado State Fire Chiefs named Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Fire Chief Randy Royal as the DFPC’s 2023 George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year for the state. Chief Royal was awarded the honor at the Fire Leadership Challenge in Keystone, Colorado.
The DFPC’s George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year award honors an individual’s 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 (28 years as a paramedic). He has served in a Chief Officer role for 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 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 fire, Waldo Canyon fire, and the Black Forest fire.