Release date: 
Monday, December 10, 2001
Ottawa – Today, the Ottawa Airport Firefighters proudly presented a cheque in the amount of $20,000 to U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci for the New York Firefighters Fund.

During the week of October 6 through the 12th, the Ottawa Airport Firefighters collected money from the Airport passengers and tenants to send down to their U.S. counterpart in New York. The firefighters came in on their own time, suited up and stood by the doors prior to security screening and collected the funds in their firefighter boot. “We were so pleased with the tremendous generosity of the passengers and tenants. Everyone really opened their hearts and gave,” said Barry Hébert, Ottawa Airport Firefighter.

“It just felt right to be helping out. When such a tragic event such as the one of September 11th happens, everyone seems to all come together as one. It felt like it happened to one of our own and we needed to do something,” said André Aumond, Ottawa Airport Firefighter.

Ottawa Airport President and CEO, Paul Benoit, said: “we are proud of our firefighters’ tremendous initiative and proud of the airport community who gave so generously for the New York Firefighters Fund.”

"This generous gesture by Ottawa Airport firefighters illustrates perfectly how the American people know we can count on our neighbours to the North. Your support toward your colleagues' families, in this time of need, is appreciated and will not be forgotten" said Ambassador Cellucci.



For additional information, please contact:

Laurent Benoit, Director
Communications and Public Affairs
(613) 248-2050