- info@offcf.ca
Welcome to Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation
In September, 2002 a small group led, by Retired Ottawa Fire Inspector Dawson McVeetors, decided to hold a remembrance ceremony for New York’s fallen Fire Fighters – one year after the tragic events of 911. The memorial ceremony continued annually on the grounds of Ottawa City Hall.
In 2006, the group approached city council for a small plot of land at city hall where a Fire Monument could be constructed. The city approved the land request, as well as seed money in the form of a loan.
A contract was awarded to local artist Louise Carota to design Fire Fighters statues.
Louise worked with ‘Artcast’, an Ontario foundry to develop her design and produce the final statues.
The monument consists of two larger-than-life statues of Ottawa Fire Fighters in action. One is depicted rescuing a child while the other is aiming a fire hose to provide protection. The statues sit on a raised black granite plinth within the reddish concrete walls of the monument.
The statues are surrounded by two groups of black granite plaques, as follows:
The combined effect of the statues, along with the use of black granite and subtle lighting contribute to create a strong visual impact. With the addition of a variety of colourful flowers and plantings and bench seating, the
monument site transforms into a place of reverence and serenity.
As a tribute to the fallen New York Fire Fighters of 911, a small piece of steel from the World Trade Centre is embedded within the monument.
The memorial service at city hall begins with the arrival of a Fire Fighter parade, led by the Ottawa Fire Band and including antique and modern fire trucks along with several hundred uniformed Fire Fighters. The National Anthem is followed by an opening prayer and welcoming remarks by various Fire and City officials. Among the guests are active and retired career and volunteer Fire Fighters, their families and friends, the Fire Service Chaplains, members of the public including students and various municipal, provincial, federal and international dignitaries.
During the memorial service, the names of deceased members are read as a bell is struck and the band plays hymnal background music. Families are presented with a dedication plaque for their loved one and a bouquet of flowers. As the service nears an end, flags are lowered and the bugler plays the Last Post.
