The winner of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association's (CMTA) "Coolest Thing Made in California" competition was revealed to be Phenix Technology. At the celebration in Sacramento, CA, on Oct. 28, Phenix's First Due helmet, which advanced to the last four rounds in both 2024 and 2026, won the coveted prize.  

The First Due originated in Southern California in the late 1960s, when its ground-breaking design revolutionized structural fire helmets. The First Due, which was designed to be lighter and ride lower than conventional fire helmets, immediately gained a reputation for comfort, functionality, and unique design. The helmet has changed throughout the years due to significant developments in material, technical design, and manufacturing techniques, even if the First Due's unique profile is still anchored in its original heritage. It earned the moniker "The California Helmet" both domestically and abroad as it grew to represent West Coast firefighting culture. With each helmet proudly produced in Riverside, California, firefighters all over the world now rely on First Due. Phenix joined the governor's "Made in California" initiative in 2026 to highlight their longstanding commitment to the state's manufacturing industry.

“Winning the Coolest Thing Made in California is a tremendous honor, but it also reinforces the responsibility we carry forward", said Phenix CEO Angel Sanchez. "For more than 50 years, firefighters have trusted Phenix to protect them in the most demanding conditions. Our team is proud of that legacy, and we remain committed to earning that trust with every helmet we manufacture. We are grateful to CMTA for creating this contest and for the important work they do to celebrate, promote, and strengthen California manufacturing.”

In the small-to-medium business final round, Phenix was the only company from Southern California; the other three were all based in Northern California. The other finalists were Wing Inflatables, a producer of high-performance inflatable watercraft, Northstar Photonics, a developer of small navigation and photonic systems, and Kokatat, a manufacturer of dry jackets for kayakers. For Phenix, the award honors the firefighters worldwide who have made Phenix Fire Helmets a timeless representation of the fire service for more than 50 years while also celebrating the company's California origins.