leathers and texas

[Westside_35]

I was looking into becoming a firefighter in Texas. I am going to be taking the Austin test in a few months. My question, though a silly and totally one that doesnt matter, is; I have seen alot of pictures and people wearing the plastic helmets.... I am from the Northeast where leathers are everything. Can you wear a leather helmet in the Austin fire department? or anywhere in texas?

[Mike_n_DIke91]

I don't know for sure about AFD but i wanna say I've seen some of them with traditional helmets. As far as other texas departments MOST larger departments seem to have them around here and MOST smaller departments seem to have modern helmets or even a mix.

[agavegrove]

You wear what they issue you. You don't get a choice.

[Mike_n_DIke91]

You wear what they issue you. You don't get a choice.

There are at least two people at my department who bought their own leather helmets, with permission of course. The rest of us are issued modern helmets.

[FiremanLyman]

There are people wearing leathers in Austin. Not sure about the SOP with them, sure you'd buy it yourself.

Good luck with the Austin Test. They are accepting applications first two weeks of December. I don't know what the make-up will be, but I know in 2011 they are hiring already certified firefighter/EMTs on a fast track program. I think they will hold a reduced size academy class for those not certified. If you got your TCFP Firefighter and TSDHS EMT you'll be in good shape.

[larsen2430]

I also applied for the Austin fire department does anyone know how many people actually applied though? the reason I am asking is I am 18 a GED and some college and Oklahoma HAZMAT awareness that's it I just was wondering my odds.

[SVTxDUDE]

I also applied for the Austin fire department does anyone know how many people actually applied though? the reason I am asking is I am 18 a GED and some college and Oklahoma HAZMAT awareness that's it I just was wondering my odds.

http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117140 (Hiring in Austin?)

^ Link above is to the AFD Hiring.

[DeputyMarshal]

I am from the Northeast where leathers are everything

No they aren't. Don't paint all of the Northeast with a broad brush. Some of us still recognize that the only thing that should be wrapped in leather is a cow.

Wear what the department issues. If you have that big a leather fetish, hang a New Yorker over your bar.

[Westside_35]

haha... will do

[FiremanLyman]

I also applied for the Austin fire department does anyone know how many people actually applied though? the reason I am asking is I am 18 a GED and some college and Oklahoma HAZMAT awareness that's it I just was wondering my odds.

Talk to these guys. http://www.texas-fire.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5672

[dfwfirefighter]

Although most FDs in my part of the world wear traditional-styled helmets (we are issued Cairns 1000s), you typically must wear what your department issues to you. If you are permitted to purchase you own helmet, choose wisely and maintain it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. I used to wear a Sam Houston until our chief revoked this privilege due to Worker's Comp rules with our city.

[Cy-FairVFD Winstead]

Not sure about in Austin, but in Cy-Fair VFD as long as your helmet meets the safety standards of the Department.. They don't mind you buying your own personal gear.. As long as it meets SOP.

Here you need to take it up to the office and have it inspected, and if they pass it.. You're good to go.