Top Ten Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List for 2014

10. A Brick at the NFFF Memorial

The park features a brick Walk of Honor® that connects the monument, the historic Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, and memorial plazas. Each brick on the walkway bears a personal inscription. Proceeds from the sale of these bricks help to finance construction of the Memorial Park.

The Walk of Honor® continues to expand and now contains more than 9,000 inscribed bricks. Numbered sections help donors and recipients locate their special bricks. If you donated a brick prior to June 2009, you can find its location online. Contact Judi Whitlow at jwhitlow@firehero.org to inquire about the location of bricks placed after June 2009.

9. Glove Crafters Firefighting Gloves

Glove Crafters has many choices for firefighters to pick from. I currently wear the Fire Armor and I love them. I haven't had a single issue with them and have found them to be very comfortable and easy to take on and off even when they are wet. 

100% Made in the USA. A lot of companies claim to have gloves "made in the USA", but at Glove Crafters, our gloves are 100% handcrafted right here in Quitman, Arkansas.​

Another popular choice in firefighting gloves is the Dragon Fire Alpha X.

8. ESS Eye Protection

At ESS, our unyielding passion is to make the toughest eyewear in the world. Not because it’s our job, but because it’s our duty — a duty inspired by those we serve: military personnel, first responders, and other everyday heroes. Those who rely on ESS can’t settle for less, so we can’t either.  We provide go-to styling and superior fit, form, and function so our tough customers can stay safe and be brave: on or off duty, beyond risk and on to adventure.

7. Channellock 87 Rescue Tool

The Channellock 87 8.88-Inch Rescue Tool is packed with functionality. It-feets small enough to carry, but so light, it won-feet slow you down. Fits securely in bunker pocket. Shuts off gas safety valves. Pries windows and doors open. Hardened cutting edges shear through soft metal. Standard battery cables are no match for its cutting power. Narrow jaw profile fits in tight spots. Spanner wrench tightens and loosens up to 6-Inch hose couplings.

If I had a dollar for every time I have used my Channellock's I would be a rich man.

6. Phenix TL-2 Miller 1884 Leather Fire Helmet

Now available…The NFPA compliant TL-2 Miller 1884

The lightest, most comfortable and best looking leather helmet on the market! Paying tribute to the firefighters of yesterday while protecting the firefighters of today.

I must say that I really like the idea behind this helmet and  love the way they pulled it off. Phenix took the idea from the Miller 1884 style leather helmet and made it work with a state of the art leather that is NFPA/OSHA compliant.

5. National Firefighters Endowment Officer’s Club

The National Firefighters Endowment “Officer’s Club” is the gift that keeps on giving. The Officer’s club is a funding mechanism for the NFE and funds donations to fire departments in need. However, those who join get a lot more in return.

• Each year, the members get a numbered custom made challenge coin.
• Each month, the members are entered to win a prize. These prizes have been valued at up to $500 a piece depending on what the prize is for that month.
• On Facebook, they are invited to a closed group that offers a place for like minded individuals to communicate as well as offer input on decisions made by the NFE.
• The membership dues go directly to funding assistance, purchasing tools and equipment, and supporting fire departments.
• The NFE offers three tier levels for joining the Officer’s club.

And yes…The Fire Critic is a Chief Level Member of the Officer’s Club

4. Custom Leather Radio Strap

Many firefighters use leather straps to hold their radio. I suggest that the ones who don't give it a try to see how they like it. I know when I switched over from having my radio in my pocket it made a world of difference. 

There are many sources for radio straps. I have shared many custom leather companies who I have come to know over the years. 

I will point you in the direction of Box Alarm Leather, Leatherhead Projects, Leatherhead Concepts, 1st in Leather, and Wolfpak Leatherworks for this article.

3. Firefighting Helmet Camera 

FireVideo.net (home of the Fire Cam) has everything you need to capture your point of view in HD. You never know what the camera will capture while you are running calls, training, or whatever else you do in your helmet!

One thing that many learn about using helmet cameras is that not only do you have to make sure the battery is charged…YOU HAVE TO TURN IT ON. Fire Cam has come up with a simple one button push to get the camera on and recording…it is as simple as that. 

2. Personal Flashlight – Streamlight Vantage

• Rotates 360 degrees on clamp; Bright blue tail light LED;
• On/off switch operates with heavy gloves on; Attach or remove in seconds with no tools;
• weighs 5.14 oz. w/batteries; Clamps on above or below helmet brim; Bulb: LED; Finish: Matte Black;
• Output (lumens): 80; Power Source: CR123A Lithium, x 2; Switch: Dual-Direction On/Off Switch;

Everyone needs a back-up flashlight. This is one of the best!

1. Custom Leather Helmet Shield

Hopefully by now, you (or the firefighter you are shopping for) has a traditional helmet. Better yet would be a leather helmet…but not everyone wears them. If they have a traditional helmet, all they need now is the most identifiable part of their PPE…the custom leather helmet shield (helmet front). 

I suggest you take a look at Box Alarm Leather for their fronts. It is what I wear.

 MARRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FIRE FIGHTERS IN KENYA AND BEYOND