Matt Murphy sworn in as Ottawa’s newest firefighter

Murphy will immediately start EMT-B training process

Matt Murphy, left, poses for a photo with Deputy Fire Chief Michael Mills during his swearing-in ceremony this week at Ottawa City Hall. (Photo Provided by Ottawa Fire Department)

May 29, 2025 at 12:18 pm CDT

The Ottawa Fire Department welcomed its newest member this week as Matt Murphy was officially sworn in as a firefighter.

Murphy will join shift one as he begins his journey in the fire service.

Like all new members of the department, he will start the process of becoming a certified EMT-B, attend the Illinois Fire Service Institute Fire Academy, and eventually pursue training to become a paramedic.

“This process is time-consuming but worth the effort,” the department said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome Matt to the OFD family and to what we believe is the most rewarding career there is.”