At the Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation, we hold a deep respect for the brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Among our most solemn tributes are the Line of Duty Death (LODD) plaques mounted on the wall of the Ottawa Fire Monument. These plaques serve as a permanent reminder of the courage and dedication of our fallen firefighters.
A Tribute to Heroes
The Ottawa Fire Monument stands as a testament to the bravery and selflessness of our firefighters. The LODD plaques honor the memory of those who lost their lives while serving our community. Among these plaques, we remember three courageous individuals: Francis Graham, John Lowry, and Ovila Lachance, who all died in the line of duty in the late 1800s.
Francis Graham (1840-1877)
Francis Graham, a guardian with the Ottawa Fire Department, dedicated his life to protecting others. Born in 1840, Francis joined the fire department with a commitment to serve and safeguard the community. His plaque honors his service and ultimate sacrifice on July 26, 1877, marking the first Line of Duty Death within the Ottawa Fire Services. His memory continues to inspire the values of bravery and dedication among today’s firefighters.
John Lowry (1843-1896)
John Lowry, another esteemed guardian of the Ottawa Fire Department, was born in 1843 and joined the force in October 1885. Throughout his career, John exhibited exceptional courage and commitment. Tragically, on August 12, 1896, John succumbed to injuries sustained while performing his duties. His plaque serves as a poignant reminder of his bravery and the ultimate price he paid to keep others safe.
Ovila Lachance (1868-1898)
Ovila Lachance, a fireman with the Ottawa Fire Department, was born on April 10, 1868. He joined the department in February 1894 and quickly became known for his unwavering dedication. On August 16, 1898, while combating a fire at 95 Patrick Street, Ovila tragically lost his life. His plaque commemorates his service and the sacrifice he made to protect our community.
Eternal Remembrance
The LODD plaques on the Ottawa Fire Monument ensure that the sacrifices of Francis Graham, John Lowry, and Ovila Lachance are never forgotten. These plaques not only honor their memory but also serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of firefighters.
We invite everyone to visit the Ottawa Fire Monument and pay their respects to these heroes who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Their courage and dedication continue to guide and motivate us in our mission to support and honor our firefighters.
For more information about our initiatives and how you can support the Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation, please visit our website at https://offcf.ca/.
Together, let us remember and honor the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe.
