Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal was named the International Fire Chief of the Year at the annual Fire-Rescue International Conference, according to a news release.

For nearly 30 years, the award has recognized one career fire chief and one volunteer fire chief for their professional development, integrity, public service, leadership, innovations, and contribution to firefighters and fire service around the world, stated the release Wednesday from the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Royal was selected from a pool of more than 22,000 fire chiefs at the conference in Dallas.

“During his (Royal’s) 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,” Fire Department spokeswoman Ashley Franco said in the release.

“(Royal) 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.”

Royal joined the Fire Department in 1987 and was named its fire chief in 2021.