Latest from Alistair Steele
Hundreds sign petitions to reinstate fired firefighter, pardon captain
Online petitions to reinstate a former Ottawa firefighter who was fired for his involvement in an altercation with a non-binary colleague have garnered thousands of signatures and demonstrate widespread support for his return, according to the professional association that launched them.
Former firefighter, captain found not guilty for their roles in dish dispute that got physical
A former Ottawa firefighter has been found not guilty of assaulting and choking a non-binary colleague during a ritualistic scuffle over the dinner dishes. Their captain has been found not guilty of threatening to discipline the alleged victim in an attempt to keep the incident under wraps.
Decision in firefighter 'dish fight' trial expected in August
It's now up to a judge to decide whether a physical scuffle over the dinner dishes at an Ottawa fire station nearly two years ago was a consensual, ritualistic contest between two rookie firefighters that got out of hand, or a violent, hate-motivated assault that their captain tried to keep quiet.
Roly Armitage, WWII veteran and celebrated community builder, dead at 99
Roly Armitage, the Second World War veteran, accomplished veterinarian and influential community leader whose keen involvement in local affairs made him a household name in Ottawa's rural west end and beyond, has died. He was 99.
Firefighters ordered to end 'physical interactions' after alleged assault
Six months after an alleged assault at an Ottawa fire station that resulted in criminal charges against a firefighter and a captain, Ottawa Fire Services ordered all officers to clamp down on physical altercations between crew members.
Non-binary firefighter wanted alleged assault kept quiet, captain testifies
The Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) captain who was in charge of the station where a firefighter allegedly assaulted and choked a non-binary crewmate testified Thursday it was the complainant — not he — who initially asked the matter not be reported up the chain of command.
Former firefighter denies feeling anger toward non-binary rookie before alleged assault
The former Ottawa firefighter accused of assaulting and choking a non-binary crewmate during an altercation over the dinner dishes flatly denies feeling angry or frustrated with the complainant, insisting he never placed his hand on their throat during the incident.
Former firefighter accused of choking non-binary rookie takes the stand
The former Ottawa firefighter accused of assaulting and choking a non-binary colleague at a Barrhaven fire station in 2022 told an Ottawa court he's a longtime ally of the LGBTQ community.
Crown wraps up after 2 witnesses in firefighter assault trial
After hearing from just two witnesses, the Crown has finished calling evidence in their case against a former Ottawa firefighter accused of assaulting and choking a non-binary colleague, and their captain who's accused of trying to prevent the complainant from reporting the incident.
Friendly exchanges before alleged fire station assault tell different story, lawyer argues
The lawyer for a former Ottawa firefighter charged with assaulting and choking a non-binary colleague said his client was friendly and respectful toward his accuser, and blamed the complainant for "mischaracterizing" and "misrepresenting" the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.