The Foundation is hosting a fund raising Dinner and Dance to support the construction of the Memorial Park located at Ottawa City Hall Festival Plaza at 111 Laurier Avenue.

It is to be held at St. Anthony’s Soccer Club, 523 St. Anthony Street with cocktails starting at 5:30 pm.

Please see the attached flyer for details. (OFFCF Flyer)

September 10, 2010
The Ottawa Fire Fighters Community Foundation (Memorial Service Committee) cordially invites all Active and Retired volunteer and career Fire Fighters, their families, friends and members of the community to join in a procession to City Hall and to participate in a Memorial Service for Ottawa’s fallen Fire Fighters.
11:30am – March Order
The Ottawa Fire Services and Ottawa Fire Department Band will lead the procession down Elgin Street to Laurier Avenue to the Ottawa Fire Fighters Memorial.

Ottawa Fire Fighters Memorial Flyer

Tuesday, May 18 - 100 attendees of the Ottawa Fire 2010 symposium honoured the “Fallen 5” Tuesday evening at the historic Chateau Laurier hotel. Lt. John Chatterton, Lt. Tim Taylor, and firefighters Carissa Campbell-Darmody, Rob Witham, and Gerry Barrett, are famous for having leapt from 3rd storey windows during a rapidly spreading fire in February 2007. All have successfully returned to full active duty. At an event sponsored by the International Fire Fighters’ Association, Canadian Assistant to the General President, Scott Marks presented to each of the “Fallen 5” expressing words of support for their commitment and bravery.

Attendees also cheered loudly for presentations by Ottawa Local 162 President, Peter Kennedy, in recognizing the commitment and assistance of Organizing Committee member, Scott Stilborn, and Organizing Committee member, Kevin Lambert’s presentation to Symposium Chair, Peter McBride for his tremendous commitment in bringing the event together.

On the final day of the IFIW, a wide range of topics spanning the globe were discussed, dissected, and cross-examined. Through spirited discussion and analysis it became quite evident that there is no boilerplate solution to the problems firefighters face, but it was obvious that problems faced by firefighters in one country were the same as those faced across the world. read more »

Private Kevin McKay, son of Toronto Fire Captain Fred McKay, died on May 13, 2010 while serving his country in Afghanistan. The hearse carrying his remains will arrive in Ottawa on Saturday, May 22nd at Beechwood Cemetery between 1330 and 1345 hours, with a ceremony to commemorate his life to start at 1400 hours. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

In a passionate address to the international firefighters, scientists, and instructors present at OttawaFire2010, Minister of Labour Fonseca expressed support for the educational symposium in which attendees examine the issues facing firefighters through relationships, education, discovery, and advocacy. The Minister’s comments, interspersed amongst discussions on topics relating to fire investigation, research, engineering and collaboration, recognized the importance of the work that firefighters do and stated, “we are all beholden to you for the work you do.”
Minister Fonseca also lauded the importance of the internal responsibility system, citing Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters’ Association President Peter Kennedy and Fire Chief John deHooge specifically in working together in cooperation to resolve issues relating to firefighting and public safety. President Kennedy expressed his appreciation for the sincere comments delivered by the Minister, “Minister Fonseca’s comments were timely and greatly appreciated by all of the delegates in attendance. He clearly understands the challenges firefighters, Fire Services, and Municipalities across Ontario face with respect to injuries and illnesses and seems very willing to offer the necessary assistance to address these concerns.”

Mayor Larry O’Brien welcomed firefighters, scientists, and instructors from around the world to Ottawa and asked that they take some time out from their hard work to enjoy “the City voted most liveable in Canada.” His insightful comments as to the history of Ottawa provided attendees with a unique background of the growth of the City and the role that fire played in its identity. Always the consumate embassador, Mayor O’Brien suggested attendees visit the locks where the Colonel By Canal joins the Ottawa River since it provides “some of the most scenic vistas in the whole City.” The Mayor also highlighted how important is was to work with the Fire Service and Association to address issues and reiterated the City’s commitment to one of the finest Fire Services in North America.