Ottawa Firefighters Local 523

05/18/2026

04/17/2026

Congratulations to our newest Academy Graduates!

03/26/2026

Welcome to the fire family FF Novak!

Ottawa Fire would like to congratulate our newest probationary firefighter Jackson Novak on being sworn in as a member today!

Firefighter Novak is currently an EMT-B in the Paramedic program at Illinois Valley Community College. Upon completing the Paramedic program he will the attend the IFSI Fire Academy and join his permanent shift.

Please join us in welcoming FF Novak as he starts a long and fruitful career in the fire service!

03/18/2026

Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the brothers and sisters of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 as they mourn this tragic loss.

🚨Mayday Alert for FF Altman’s family🚨

Please keep FF Altman, his family, friends, Local 2, and the CFD in your thoughts.

FF Mike Altman of the Chicago Fire Department, assigned to Truck 47, was critically injured March 16th while doing what he always did- putting others first. During a primary search at a structure fire, Mike fell through the floor into a room that was fully on fire. After some time in Cook County Hospital’s burn unit, he has tragically has passed away from his injuries.

In addition to being a dedicated firefighter, Mike was a loving husband and father with a young child at home and another baby on the way. The road ahead will be long, difficult, and incredibly costly for his family. As they navigate this devastating loss, let’s come together to support them not only financially, but offer them love for as long as they need it.

https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/altman

thanks you 💚
💚

Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
International Association of Fire Fighters
Illinois Fire Chiefs Association - IFCA
MABAS-Illinois

03/13/2026

Thank you to Berta's Tap for dropping by lunch for today’s duty crew!

02/24/2026

Last week, three of our members attended the Responder Intervention Team (RIT) Rescue Technician course at the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

This week-long class is highly regarded in the fire service for its intense physical and mental demands. During their time in class, members learned techniques for rescuing downed firefighters in a variety of live fire situations. These drills occur under high heat and low visibility, moving fully geared firefighters, making it one of the more challenging classes offered.

Congratulations to (left to right) Firefighter Banat, Firefighter Smith, and Firefighter Mitchell on your successful completion!

02/18/2026

Special thanks to Ottawa Funeral Home for dropping off dinner for today’s on duty crew!