Firefighters in their dress blues marched down Elgin Street Friday as part of an annual tribute to their fallen colleagues.
At City Hall a silver bell tolled in honour of firefighters who passed away from illnesses associated with years of battling blazes.
Norman Grant was among those honoured.
His wife Judy was given flowers and a plaque.
"A 35-year firefighter, he never took a sick day and enjoyed his job," said Judy Grant. "He gave a lot to the City of Ottawa."
She said the ceremony was a wonderful tribute.
"I think that the guys that are firefighters that lay it on the line every day deserve to be recognized," she said. "It's a job that I know I couldn't do. I read an adage in the paper the other day about a firefighter is someone who is afraid to run away. So we owe them big time. Some of them had to pay the ultimate sacrifice and so I think this is wonderful recognizing that."
Current and retired Ottawa firefighters who passed away over the last 12 months, not while in the line of duty, were also honoured for their courage and bravery.
For those still serving this city, Ontario Fire Marshall Ross Nichols had a message.
"I'm going to ask you to do something," he told the firefighters attending the ceremony. "If you feel the burden you're carrying is too much to bear, please don't try to go it alone. Please reach out, talk with someone you know about how you're feeling."
The annual ceremony takes place in front of the monument to fallen fire fighters at City Hall.
"Firefighting is indeed a lifestyle," said Ottawa Fire Chief Gerry Pingitore. "It's one that is honourable, takes courage, leadership and fearless action. That's part of what this memorial around you here represents. From the wall of the names to the two statues of the firefighters, the memorial reflects on the bravery of our Ottawa Fire Service personnel."
The ceremony is held ahead of the National Day of Mourning for Fallen Firefighters on Sunday, when the city's flags will be flown at half-mast.