Board of Fire and Police Commissioners authorizes hires for Ottawa fire and police departments

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of Ottawa on May 13 approved authorizations to hire two firefighters and two police officers to fill upcoming vacancies, the board recorded.

Commissioner Ganiere presented both hiring authorizations. For the fire department the board authorized two hires: one to replace a retiring firefighter and one to fill a position vacated by a recent resignation. The board noted the fire academy begins in September and that hiring from the current eligibility list will begin in June. The authorization was moved by Steve Malinsky and seconded by Tim McTaggart; the minutes record "all ayes" and the motion passed.

Under the police portion of New Business, the board authorized two police officer hires to address anticipated vacancies from two planned retirements. The board noted academy spots are reserved in September and that hiring from the current eligibility list will begin in June. The police authorization was moved by Steve Malinsky and seconded by Kenneth Brown; the minutes record "all ayes" and the motion passed.

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved the minutes of its Feb. 11, 2026 meeting. That motion was moved by Tim McTaggart and seconded by Steve Malinsky and recorded as "all ayes." The meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m. on a motion by Steve Malinsky, seconded by Tim McTaggart, also recorded as "all ayes."

The motions and unanimous tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes; the minutes do not list roll-call vote-by-name beyond noting "all ayes."