Frequently I get asked at fire scenes and during fire staiton tours what the various firefighter helmet colors are for. Throughout the country fire departments use colored helmets to generally classify firefighter rank. There are a few differences but generally yellow or black is for firefighter, red is for Lieutenant and Captain and white is for Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief and Chief.
The coloring system comes in handy when you arrive at a scene and are seeking out the decision makers. The colors are easy to identify in the smoke and mist laden atmosphere that is frequently present at a fire scene.
Eden Praire is no different. Below is a picture of the four basic helmet colors we use in our operations. Yellow is for Recruit in training, black for Firefighter, red for Captain or Lieutenant and white for Assistant Chief or Chief. One of our Fire Chaplains also wears a white helmet, as a sign of respect.
The color scheme also applies to our turn-out gear, the protective gear firefighters wear. Tan is for everybody at the rank of Captain or below. White is for Assistant Chiefs and Chief. The media has learned this color scheme and will almost always go to the white helmet(s) for information when the arrive on the scene.
If you’d like to join our ranks and work your way up the color scheme, stop by our website and get information on our current recruiting process. Change lives. Starting with yours. Volunteer.
Recruit, firefighter, Lieutenant/Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief
