About Us

Who We Are

The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters are an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), formed in 1918.  At that time, Fire Fighters knew they had to unite, to improve the working conditions of the fire service.   They suffered with long hours (84 hour weeks and 24 hour shifts with only a few hours off), low wages, and few safety standards.  This affected not only their own lives, but the service they were able to give to their communities. With the help of the IAFF who uses recognized experts in the field of occupational health and safety, fire-based emergency medical services and hazardous materials training, and through the National Fire Protection Association, we have been able to establish professional standards for the fire service.

Other areas where we represent our membership are:

• Employment Collective Agreement
• Grievance Procedures
• Workmen’s Compensation Boards

Our activities also include:

• Annual Children’s Christmas Party
• Annual Reunion Dinner with retired members
• Help Santa Toy Parade
• Support of the Muscular Dystrophy Funding Drive
• Other charitable activities

The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters [IAFF Local 162] have a proud history of serving the citizens of Ottawa.  On January 1, 2001, with the formation of the new City of Ottawa, the following IAFF Locals merged to form the new Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association:

1.  The Cumberland Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2621 founded February 21, 1978
2.  The Gloucester Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1484 founded  August 26, 1963
3.  The Kanata Professional Fire Fighters Association Local  2108 founded  November 23, 1971
4.  The Nepean Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1487 founded October 9, 1963
5.  The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 162 founded January 18, 1919

All of these Locals proudly served their communities and continue to serve the City of Ottawa with devotion and dedication.