Who We Are
The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) is an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), formed in 1918. At that time, firefighters knew they had to unite to improve the working conditions of the fire service. They suffered from long hours (84-hour weeks and 24-hour shifts with only a few hours off), low wages, and few safety standards. This affected not only their own lives but the service they were able to give to their communities. With the help of the IAFF and their consultation with recognized experts in the field of occupational health and safety, fire-based emergency medical services, and hazardous materials training, as well as through the National Fire Protection Association, we have been able to establish professional standards for the fire service.
The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF Local 162) has a proud history of serving the citizens of Ottawa on the job as well as through numerous community and charitable activities including:
- Help Santa Toy Parade
- The Parade of Lights
- Support of the Muscular Dystrophy Funding Drive
- Numerous other charitable activities
On January 1, 2001, with the formation of the new City of Ottawa, the following IAFF Locals merged to form the new Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association:
- The Cumberland Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2621 was founded on February 21, 1978
- The Gloucester Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1484 was founded on August 26, 1963
- The Kanata Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2108 was founded on November 23, 1971
- The Nepean Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1487 was founded on October 9, 1963
- The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 162 was founded on January 18, 1919
All of these Locals proudly served their communities and continue to serve the City of Ottawa with devotion and dedication under the OPFFA.
The OPFFA represents our membership in contract negotiations with the Employer as well as through our many other Committees. The OPFFA is led by the Executive Board.