It looks more like a motorcycle helmet, is lighter weight, offers a reduced profile and improved balance. But there’s one barrier standing in the way of the new firefighting helmets that Central Whidbey Fire &Rescue firefighters recently unpacked from boxes. Tradition. “The iconic American firefighter with the traditional-style helmet is kind of an identity thing,” said Central Whidbey Fire Chief Ed Hartin. But Hartin decided to buck tradition and give the new European-style helmets a try anyway. He ordered 10 of the Rosenbauer Heros-titan helmets to explore them on a trial but had to wait for more than a year before they got the official stamp of approval by the National Fire Protection Association for use in the United States.