WEST FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Thanks to a grant from Gate City Bank, the West Fargo Fire Department has received 57 new state-of-the-art jet-style helmets. The helmets replace a design that’s been around more than a century, often referred to Ben Franklin helmets.
Fire Chief Dan Fuller says the department is the first in the state to use these new helmets. He says the gear is completely different in design with added benefits and safety to firefighters.
The helmets also help protect firefighters from a significant occupational hazard, cancer. Fuller says the helmets now in use have about 6 years of safe use left. and will likely be donated to rural departments that need them.
Gate City President and CEO Steve Swiontek says because the innovative design provides more safety and protection, the hope is the donation will start a trend for other fire departments to use them.
Each helmet costs about $200, similar to a traditional fire helmet.
