Ottawa Fire Department

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

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!

08/25/2026

Exciting news at OFD!

Our newest fire engine, Engine 1, was put into service on Monday.

With our oldest engine being retired from the fleet at 25 years old, Engine 1 will now be frontline out of our downtown station.

Thank you to the OFD members on our design committee for dedicating their time to spec out an Engine specifically tailored to the needs of our community!

Also, thank you to our Mechanics and members of Shift 2 for putting in the hours to get it ready for service!

08/18/2026

Welcome to our newest members!

Firefighter Ashton Billings comes to us from Wallace Fire Department where he worked as a FF/EMT-B. His Grandfather was also an Ottawa Firefighter!

Firefighter Quenten Sondgerroth comes to us from Peru Ambulance and Troy Grove Fire Department where he worked as a FF/Paramedic.

Both were sworn in yesterday and will begin their fire training by attending the Illinois Fire Service Institute in September.

Congratulations, Gentlemen!

08/15/2026

Please join us in congratulating three OFD members celebrating career milestones today!

Captain Brian Dose is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service to our department and the community. Whether it be as EMS coordinator or Captain of Shift 1, Captain Dose always sought to bring progress and positive change to our department. His absence will be felt. We wish him the best in retirement!

Lt. Barry Russell has now been promoted to Captain of Shift 1. Captain Russell has 21 years of service with OFD, 8 of which were as a Lieutenant.

Firefighter Jeff Clift has now been promoted to Lieutenant of Shift 1. Lieutenant Clift has 18 years of service with OFD.

Both of these newly promoted members have demonstrated the integrity, ability and decisiveness necessary to ensure a bright future for our department. We are grateful for the years of service that Captain Russell and Lieutenant Clift have dedicated and look forward to their guiding leadership in the years to come! Congratulations, Gentlemen!

08/06/2026

Our new fire buddy, Ava, celebrated her 7th birthday and OFD members were fortunate enough to visit on her special day!

Ava and her family are an inspiration in the face of adversity. They have faced many medical challenges over the years, remaining positive and strong through so much.

The Project Fire Buddies program gives us the opportunity to connect with and support them in their journey. Today that support took the form of birthday presents, fire truck tours and firefighter hugs!

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to hang out and Happy Birthday Ava!

08/04/2026

Join us today at Peck Park, 5:30-8:00pm for National Night Out!

🎉 TODAY'S THE DAY! 🎉

Join us for National Night Out 2026 at Peck Park from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM!

Bring the whole family for an evening of:
🚓 First responder vehicles
🚁 Life Flight helicopter (weather permitting)
🪂 Skydivers (weather permitting)
🎈 Inflatables & games
🍔 FREE food (while supplies last)
🎁 Giveaways, meet/greets, and fun for all ages!

A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors, volunteers, and the City of Ottawa Special Events Group Committee for helping make this event possible. Your support truly strengthens our community!

07/24/2026

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!

06/29/2026

🌈 AUTISM ACCEPTANCE: FRIENDLY FACES, SAFE SPACES 💙

We're excited to bring this event back for a second time! After the incredible success of our first Autism Acceptance event and the overwhelming support from families and our community, we're thrilled to continue building meaningful connections in a safe, welcoming environment.

Join us on August 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Reddick Public Library for a FREE community event focused on connection, understanding, and inclusion.

06/24/2026

🚨🎉 National Night Out 2026 is coming! 🎉🚨

Join us on August 4, 2026, from 5:30 PM–8:00 PM at Peck Park (1510 State St., Ottawa, IL) for an evening of family fun, games, food, prizes, community resources, and the chance to meet your local Police, Fire, and Sheriff personnel!

Bring the whole family—we can't wait to see you there!

🦅👮🚒⭐