Orgin of Firefighter Helmet Shape

1. What is the origin of the odd-shaped firefighter hat?
In 1731, Jacobus Turck, the caretaker of the department's fire engines, made a leather stovepipe hat -- similar to the one Abraham Lincoln would famously wear -- for use by firemen. Hats were made of various materials: wool, felt, papier-mâché, and oil cloth, but none of these materials was as effective as leather, and in 1762, all members of the force were required to wear leather hats while on duty. Badges on the front of the hats were used to identify firefighters and help facilitate operations involving multiple companies. In 1824, fireman/saddle maker Matthew DuBois added a metal wire to strengthen the brim. The final, now-familiar design was developed by New York Fire Department Foreman Henry Gratacap, who set up his own helmet factory in 1836. Today the helmets that firefighters wear are typically made out of fiberglass composites, and feature a fold-down plastic eye shield attached to the front brim.
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The helmet identification was added to the helmet by the Cairns brothers who developed the idea of including it. These brothers were in a metal badge, insignia, and button business. Insignia is something that distinguishes a person or thing that belongs to a place or person. In addition to developing the identification piece they also added the holder which kept the badge on the helmet. The identification on the helmet made it easier for fire chiefs to find a firefighter in their department.

Firefighter Boots!

Rubber Boots

Leather Boots

Leather and Rubber boots are the boots the firemen wear to protect their feet. These boots must withstand extreme heat conditions to protect the feet of the wearer. Below is a chart of the differences in both shoes:

The Helmet

The helmet's main purpose is to protect the head of the fireman. Since the head is a very vital part to the human body the helmet has to protect the wearer from debris and other life threatening head dangers that may occur while firemen are on the job. The first firefighter helmet was made out of leather. After the leather helmet was created people experimented with many other materials to make the helmet out of including aluminum. The creators of the aluminum helmet did not think their idea through because aluminum draws both heat and electricity to it. If the firefighters were to wear the aluminum helmet it would potentially kill them in the flaming areas of the building.

Protective Clothing

The firefighter suit is meant to keep firefighters safe while they are extinguishing large fires. These suits are required to protect the men and women from the heat experienced in the fire. Firefighting is an occupation worldwide that people get payed to wear this suit and battle blazing infernos. They risk their lives on a daily basis and this suit has to protect them from all the harmful conditions in a fire.

Welcome!

Hi I am Mary!
This is my website all about the firefighter suit. I am working on a project in school called exhibition where you have to learn a topic inside and out and I chose the firefighter suit. On this blog you will find everything about the protective clothing, helmet, and the boots. Please feel free to comment on my posts with any questions you may have!