Firemen Helmets

The original American firemen helmet was created by a New York City luggage maker Henri Gratacap, a volunteer fireman in the 1830s, seeking a better design more tailored to the requirements for firefighting than the unpractical "stovepipe" helmets.  A typical fire helmet consists of a shell, a suspension system, and a chinstrap.  The traditional style helmet has a rounded shape and a wide brim that provides protection from falling debris and other hazards. Because thick treated leather was flame-resistant and highly resistant to breaking apart it became the obvious material. Leatherhead is a term for the evolution of these leather helmets still used by many firefighters in North America. Leatherhead is also slang for a firefighter who uses a leather firemen helmet instead of the more modern composite helmets. These leather helmets were often adorned by decorative leather helmet fronts representing their stations and/or fire brigades. By the late 1800s, leather helmets were being replaced by metal firemen helmets were being used with heavy metal crests on top for smashing glass during fires. After the metal firemen helmet, came the modern fire-resistant composite firemen helmets which protected firemen from the flames and severe heat. Identification, not only of the fire chief, the First Assistants, Foremen, and volunteers but also identifying their Fire Brigades and fire stations.

Firefighters play a vital role in our society, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe from fires and other emergencies. In order to perform their jobs safely, they require specialized equipment, including fire helmets. Fire helmets are designed to provide essential protection for the head, neck, and face during firefighting, rescue operations, and other emergency situations. Some specialized firemen helmets are distinguished by the incorporation of gas mask attachments, neck protection, and smoke inhalation devices to protect the firemen while fighting the blaze.

For more information about firemen helmets visit:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefighter%27s_helmet  &  https://www.firerescue1.com/  

 For our collection of firemen helmets click here:   https://www.firetruckworld.com/component/igallery/helmets