The mission of the Ottawa Fire Department is to protect lives and conserve property by minimizing the frequency and effect of fires, hazardous material incidents, disasters and other like occurrences. The methods used to accomplish this mission are prevention, control, training and public education. We are committed to being efficient, and effective, and innovative.

The nature of firefighting service is varied. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Equal, equitable, and fair service to all.
• Responding to all calls for service.
• Inspections, preplanning and public relations contacts.
• A personal demeanor, conduct, and image of our personnel on duty as well as off duty.

The perceptions we create while engaging in these services are functionally defined, made real, and ultimately judged by the nature of activities, as well as how we appear while performing such activities.