Definately keeping it. It's my personal helmet. Not dept issue.
Hugh, its just over OSHA's "serviceable life" period. Over ten years old. (its actually over 20 yrs old. Been repainted a few times.. you can see the white from when I was Chief.) Ive been pushing it by refusing to give it up and wear my new one, I've been getting a pass because of my seniority and rank, but its at the point where it will be a legal issue if something happens to me.
I know it probably sounds corny to most outsiders, but firefighters sort of develop a deep attachment to our leather helmets. They are a vanishing item in the fire service.
New ones are a composite shell. ( or as we call them.. "tactical tupperware" )
