Iowa firefighters trying out Euro-style fire helmets

  • Source: Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
  • Published: 07/08/2019 12:00 AM

Some firefighters in Evansdale are breaking from tradition when it comes to an essential piece of protection. Two members of Evansdale Fire Rescue are trying out jet-style fire helmets that eschew the iconic wide brim for a streamlined design more akin to a motorcycle helmet. “You get a lot of slack about it. People ask ‘You pull up on your moped? Where’s your motorcycle?’ I get that. I tell them it’s parked behind the fire truck,” said Fire Chief Ryan Phillips, who has donned a new helmet when answering calls. Phillips said the design -- also called European-style because of its popularity with overseas fire departments for more than a decade -- offers better balance and extra protection to the side and back of the head. They come with two shields -- one for eye protection while using cutting tools and another that covers the full face -- that slide up into helmet’s body when not in use. Flashlights are built in at the temple level. On the traditional style, the lights have to be mounted separately.



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