Yellow Fire Helmet

around 1990

Waterloo firefighters were the first in Canada to wear chrome yellow coloured helmets. Waterloo Fire Chief John Staller initiated the change in 1968. The chrome yellow helmets were easier to see in smoke-filled buildings than the traditional black helmets. The colour change greatly improved the department’s safety record. The newest style includes an ear/neck protector, chinstrap, reflective trim, and a high-heat thermoplastic face shield.

Grant Bettke shows Chief John Staller the new yellow helmets that replaced the traditional black colour.