Fire Engines Photos

Gallet style Helmets, not the norm for the Canadian Fire Department?

Added by Sean Yeates on 09 May 2012.

Jacques, I'm interested in the windowed cabin above the hose lay, what role does that play, thanks?

Added by Pav on 09 May 2012.

Sean, your reference to 'gallet style helmets' had me racing for Google, , I have never heard that term. Now, I'm a full bottle for which I am very grateful, thank you.

Added by Pav on 09 May 2012.

Gallet helmets helmets appear to be taking the world by storm, I have worn many helmets over the years and can say I most comfortable while wearing my gallet.

Also I have seen a similar pumper with that cabin and the explanation that it is for the comfort of the pump operator, apparently Canadian winters can be harsh, the other photo also drew attention to the roller shutters covering the fore lockers as another winter-proofing measure.

I cannot recall which photo had this explanation attached, perhaps someone can suggest a link?

Added by Monkey Boy The 3rd on 09 May 2012.

It is most likely it is covering the topside pump control area. The topsides control gives the driver/pump operator a safe/comfortable place to work and they are high enough to see around the fire scene.

Added by Les Davis on 09 May 2012.

Up here in Scotland we have opted for the Rosenbauer version helmets with detatachable torch which mounts on the front.

Added by Grant Melville on 09 May 2012.

it's going to be interesting next year when all Scottish services become one unified outfit. Will Strathclyde give up their 'Gallet' helmets? Will L&B surrender their 'Rosenbauer' helmets?
As for Quebec using the Gallet, comes as no surprise, Gallet is / was a French company, Quebec was a French province and keeps a very French outlook. Their main square is laid out with granite cobbles from Leith though!

Added by Colin Foster on 10 May 2012.

Every other service in Scotland other than strathclyde and the non local authority guys use rosenbauers. I think d&g use cromwells though

Added by RAF firey on 10 May 2012.

That was my point Firey, who will give up what to become one service? It may take a while, but eventually the whole service should be the same in terms of uniform and kit. The decision making process will be interesting to say the least.

Added by Colin Foster on 11 May 2012.

CROMWELLS!!?? Are they still around? We were using them in the 60's and were by far the best helmet ever made!!??

Added by Pav on 11 May 2012.

Who knows? Colin, all of Scotlands fire kit is the PBI Gold apart from Strathclyde's All sign's on appliances will have to be changed also.

Added by Grant Melville on 11 May 2012.

The machines will probably end up all being scania or Volvo, probably the cheapest option of the two will end up being the chosen type and the height appliances will be moved around a wee bit

Added by RAF firey on 11 May 2012.

yes Grant you're right about the signage. I remember when we changed from South Eastern to L&B, the signs on the machines and outside fire stations, the badges on the machines and uniforms, headed notepaper, and so on and so on all needed changing. at first it was a sort of plastic screen with L&B on it that went on the machines until the new ones came pre-painted.
As for the selection of the actual machine, Scania, Volvo or whatever that will probably be one of the big attractions of the new service. Bulk purchasing power, negotiating deals with the suppliers for the whole of the country.

Added by Colin Foster on 12 May 2012.

The thing is Colin they may opt for Mercedes Benz? or Iveco? because Scania and Volvo do not produce smaller chassis while the other 2 produce vans upwards to 26 tonnes what you need for aerials. Time will tell.

Editor : I will end the discussion about Scotland and the future Fire brigade. We can continue comments to this Canadian Fire unit

Added by Grant Melville on 13 May 2012.

Is the red helmet the company officer? This differentiation is popular amongst California departments, and makes the company officer instantly recognizable. A good idea for UK services to introduce?

Added by Rob Johnson on 31 January 2013.

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