top of page

Memorial Ceremonies, News & Events

image001 (7).png

OTTAWA FIREFIGHTERS

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Always Loved, Never Forgotten

Remembering Ottawa Firefighters Line of Duty Deaths
and Legacy of Courage

 

The Ottawa Fire Fighters Community Foundation’s annual Memorial Service honours Ottawa Firefighters Line of Duty Deaths and Legacy of Courage recognition is held every year in the month of September usually the nearest Friday to the 11th. The service is at the site of the Fire Fighter’s monument at City Hall. Among the guests are Active and Retired Career and Volunteer Fire Fighters, their families and friends, and members of the community.

​

The Fire Fighter’s monument was first unveiled in 2009. The monument was constructed around two bronze figures of firefighters in action, one carrying a child, the other aiming a water hose. Black stone plaques are arranged around the two firefighter figures, with inscriptions commemorating the names of Ottawa firefighters that have fallen in the line of duty. Some of the names date back to the mid-19th century, and the early days of the Ottawa Fire Department. A piece of steel from the World Trade Centre towers is embedded in this monument, as a sign of solidarity to the men and women of the New York Fire Department that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

OFS Honour Guard/ Colour Party  ​

February 01, 2018

 

As new firefighters join our ranks the spectrum of ways to become further involved can sometimes be overwhelming. Many options are available and new staff are left with questions about where to devote their energies and passion. One such opportunity is steeped in respect and in tradition; it is called the Honour-Guard and Colour Party 

​

Although the Honour-Guard is mainly known for its participation in Line of Duty funerals and Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Services, there is also a large variety of other events and ceremonies where their presence is appreciated. Traditions and protocols live on because men and women don uniforms to highlight a significant event in their community. Other events and ceremonies that “Respect the tradition” include; 

​

  • City parades 

  • Retirement parties 

  • Firefighter last-day-at-work march-out 

  • Weddings 

  • Recruit graduations 

  • Local sporting events 

  • Mayoral inaugurations 

  • Award banquets 

  • Charity events 

  • Fire-station openings 

  • Canada Day celebrations 

  • Keys to the City Ceremonies 

  • Remembrance Day Events 

​

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) has been involved in many different events and is regarded as a reputable service because we protect our Nation’s Capital. In turn, the Honour Guard is often requested to attend activities in Ottawa and elsewhere in the country. We are actively recruiting new members to help our Honour Guard maintain tradition and continue to be visible in our communities.

​

What does being of the Colour Guard entail? 

 

According to Brampton Honour Guard Commander Jordan Paris 

“The type of person who will best represent what the honour-guard division is all about is one who carries himself or herself respectfully and demonstrates an appreciation for appearance, etiquette, values and professionalism. Members of the honour guard should be cognizant of the fact that they represent not only their departments, but also their chiefs, their cities and their country while on duty in their uniforms. 


What are the expectations and commitments related to the OFS Colour Guard? 

 

Firstly, “The responsibility of an honour guard to its department is to continue to practise and maintain fire-service traditions and to represent the department with honour, integrity, pride and professionalism at all events and opportunities.” (Jordan Paris) 

 

More specifically, if enlisted for the OFS Honour Guard one should expect to participate in practice sessions and volunteer 3-5 hours of their time 1/month. Be advised, certain months are busier than others - especially when yearly memorials and events are repeated annually.

Please ensure that your schedule allows for some flexibility and can accommodate the additional of another responsibility. 

 

We hope you’ll consider becoming a part of this unit and help tradition live on. 

 

Should anyone be interested in speaking to someone about the Honour Guard, please contact Captain John Sobey at johnsobey@roffa.ca

 

Gerry Pingitore 

Fire Chief 

 

John Sobey 

Honour and Colour Guard 

News & Events

Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery are honouring Ottawa's Firefighters with their new dedicated area for Firefighters and their families

bottom of page