Ottawa Firefighters Local 523

09/22/2026

Strong work, Firefighter Ellena!

Congratulations to Firefighter Joe Ellena (pictured left) on completing his eighth and final Technical Rescue class for a grand total of 360 hours!

Let’s take a look at the individual classes needed to become fully educated in the Technical Rescue discipline:

- Rope Rescue Operations
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Trench Rescue Operations
- Trench Rescue Technician
- Confined Space Operations
- Confined Space Technician
- Structural Collapse Operations
- Structural Collapse Technician

Each of these classes covers a specific aspect of rescue operations as a whole. It is proof of a members investment of time and dedication to mastery. This accomplishment signifies a commitment to providing excellence in service to our community. Strong work Firefighter Ellena!

09/07/2026

Please see the attached press release for information regarding this mornings structure fire on the city’s west side.

09/04/2026

Strong work, Lieutenant Johnson!

OFD's very own, Lieutenant Bryce Johnson, just completed his eighth and final Technical Rescue class for a grand total of 360 hours! He attended this class with Firefighter Joseph Ellena who is also working towards this goal.

Let’s take a look at the individual classes needed to become fully educated in the Technical Rescue discipline:
- Rope Rescue Operations
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Trench Rescue Operations
- Trench Rescue Technician
- Confined Space Operations
- Confined Space Technician
- Structural Collapse Operations
- Structural Collapse Technician

OFD members are always striving to further their skills and scope of knowledge. Lieutenant Johnson has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to this effort. We commend all his hard work!
Congratulations Lieutenant Johnson on this accomplishment!

09/03/2026

Special thanks to the folks at Sauce’d for dropping off pizzas for today’s duty crew!

08/18/2026

Welcome to Local 523, Gentlemen!

08/15/2026

Congratulations, Gentlemen!

08/06/2026

Local 523 members had the opportunity to meet a special friend for her birthday!
Ava is our new Fire Buddy and we are excited to spend some time with her and her family on her special day!

07/24/2026

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Congratulations to the following members for successfully completing the IVCC Paramedic Program!

- Austin Eby
- Brian Ksiazak
- Jackson Novak

This program is a notoriously challenging time for students as they begin their career in Fire/EMS. Balancing work, class, hospital clinicals, ambulance ride time and personal lives can be trying. Combined, each of these components help students develop all the necessary skills to become a well rounded Paramedic.

We applaud the dedication of these members and look forward to the positive impact they’ll have on our community as OFD’s newest Paramedics!

05/18/2026