Nationals' Harper Dons D.C. Fire Helmet During Celebration

Sept. 17, 2014
D.C. Firefighter John Landi had the helmet specially made.

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper proudly wore a D.C. fire helmet during the locker room celebration.

Harper tweeted a selfie wearing the helmet with his number on it as he celebrated with his team after they clinched the division in Atlanta Tuesday night.

D.C. Firefighter John Landi, assigned to Truck 17, had the helmet specially made knowing Harper's interest in the fire department. He's said if he couldn't play baseball, he wanted to be a firefighter.

A smiling Harper tweeted: "Well that was epic!! What a night with the guys..Also thank you DC Fire! Helmet is on point!

Landi explained how the whole thing came about to WTTG's Paul Wagner:

"Yeah, he actually said a couple of years ago that if he wasn't a ballplayer, he wanted to be a fireman,” said Landi. “So he was specifically looking for the fire helmet, and another guy on the job from Engine 24, he makes all the custom front pieces.”

Landi and Engine 24's Jason Vogt got to work and custom made the helmet for No. 34 and sent it to his agent earlier this week.

"All the guys on the job were real happy about it and it was good to see Harper wanted to represent us,” said Landi. “It's a critical moment for the Nats. They just won the NL East and he wants to represent the D.C. fire department, so it's pretty good.”

During an interview on MASN, Harper told the reporter proudly: “D.C. firefighters hooked me up."

Landi said he's hoping to see Harper wear the helmet in other locker room celebrations this season. "He's got to do it now. It's a good luck charm. It's tradition now.”

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!