

Members of each fire department know the meaning of their department’s helmet colors. In summary, the variety of color denotes rank, experience, and depth of training specific to each department. Light blue can mean that a firefighter is assigned to the rescue company, but it could also indicate that the firefighter has received additional training after receiving his/her basic firefighter training. Station Commanders wear yellow with a red-and-white stripe.LT’s have a white front on their helmets.Lieutenants and Firefighters wear black.In a recent forum, members from across the globe listed firefighter helmet colors and their rank. Fire-End offers an entire line of firefighting helmets for optimal protection with its quality line of LION helmets! Helmet Colors and Common Meaning? No matter the color, a helmet needs to be comfortable, durable, and preferably lightweight. Firefighter helmets may also contain additional insignia. If a second number is visible, it likely indicates the ladder number. The number will match the fire engine number. The badge number is also displayed on a firefighter’s helmet. For example, an insert with red might indicate that firefighter is on ladder patrol while an insert with black might indicate engine patrol.


The background color of the insert might denote the patrol assignment. In fact, even the look of the helmet, traditional versus European style, may vary from one department to another.įirefighters also may have an insert in the front piece of their helmet that indicates their company number. Firefighter chiefs in the FDNY wear white and all others wear black, yet this may not be the case for your fire department. Within each department, the colors likely do signify rank. Why Are Firefighter Helmets Different Colors? It varies from one department to another. There is currently no NFPA standard for the color of helmets, however. What do firefighter helmet colors mean? The firefighter helmet color generally signifies the firefighter’s rank within the company. You’ve probably seen different firefighter helmet colors, but why do some firefighters wear yellow, and some wear white?
