Murdered Former Springs Firefighter Was 'Still Part Of The Family'
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - A 30-year veteran of the Colorado Springs Fire Department was found murdered in eastern El Paso County early Tuesday morning.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office confirmed the body of Daryl Ritz, 58, was discovered at a vacant 5-acre commercial lot off Judge Orr Road in Falcon. Investigators aren't saying how Ritz died, but say the manner of death is a homicide.
"Something like that happening this close to home is kind of surprising," a neighbor of the vacant property said Tuesday.
Ritz was reported missing earlier in the week and then his truck was found abandoned on the property Monday night. Authorities found his body the next morning, but are not specifying where.
"We all have heavy hearts," Randy Royal, Interim Deputy Chief of Support Services for the Colorado Springs Fire Department, said Tuesday.
Royal recalled working with Ritz a few years ago and said he was a dedicated firefighter.
"No matter the call, he was out to serve people in our community," Royal said.
Ritz was well-liked in his community and spent a lot of time at charity events. He also raised money to help the burn unit at Children's Hospital. Those who knew him are grieving the loss of a great friend.
"Daryl retired here three years ago, but he's still part of the family. It's a loss," Royal said.
Ritz is survived by his wife and two daughters. The El Paso Sheriff's Office is investigating.
Statement From Interim Fire Chief Ted Collas On Facebook
On behalf of all the women and men of the Colorado Springs Fire Department I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of retired Driver Engineer Daryl Ritz. We were all shocked to hear the news of his untimely death, and we would like to offer our support to the Ritz family. Daryl was a valued member of the Colorado Springs Fire Department from the date he was hired, September 2, 1980 through his retirement on May 30, 2013. Daryl was promoted to Driver Engineer in January of 1986, and he served much of his career as a member of our Hazardous Materials team.
Driver Engineer Ritz had a passion for cars and compassion for children. These two loves came together for the Hot Times Kool Cars car show. For many years Daryl spent countless hours building hot rod cars to be raffled, with the proceeds, which totaled over a million dollars, going toward burn treatment for children. Daryl will be missed by us all.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
