Space-age helmets transform Twin Cities suburban fire departments

Article by: Mary Jane Smetanka , Star Tribune
Updated: March 9, 2013 - 7:23 PM

But tradition is a barrier to change — even change for the better.

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boris123Mar. 9, 13 7:29 PM

Another way to spend more and more tax payer money.

davehougMar. 9, 1310:18 PM

If somebody suggested shifting from a SAFER coat to a cheaper one, would the taxpayers would be ahead or merely funding hospitals and life-insurance claims???

mrprogressiveMar. 10, 13 4:48 AM

Its too bad that they could not integrate more modern safety features in a traditional style helmet. To me it seems like just another small step to eroding Americas identity. Before you know it the standard measurement system will be Metric and the official language will be Spanish.

sdsf51Mar. 10, 13 6:38 AM

Firefighters can wear their traditional helmets at parades and other public appearances. Tradition or cost should not prevent them from getting and using the safest gear possible.

heckyousayMar. 10, 13 8:46 AM

markdandersoMar. 10, 13 9:24 AM

An argument that it cost tax payers more money should not be in the mix. Long term costs of us taxpayers would be more severe caused by major head trama. Keep our firefighters save! You get no argument here! And nor should this be an issue.

suprpoleMar. 10, 13 9:25 AM

I don't like paying higher taxes, but it is hard for me to complain, if this helmet is safer for the firemen. We give the police bullet proof vests, why safer equipment for the fire fighters.

boris123Mar. 10, 1310:28 AM

re: "Another way to spend more and more tax payer money." -- Good point, boris. Myself, I'm outraged that we install seatbelts in police cruisers and give them bullets for their guns. I mean really! Think about the taxpayers for once">>>>> what is the cost of the helmet? What is the actual benefit? Both these are missing from the article.

mn2niceMar. 10, 1310:50 AM

I would imagine that this new helmet meets or exceeds NFPA 1971 (2006), Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Firefighting and Proximity Firefighting. Where I would question whether the older "traditional" style helmet meets it. Safety is always job 1. Especially when a firefighter's life is on the line every time the alarm sounds for a call.