24 Sep 2008

Lion Apparel's American Classic helmets in custom lime yellow

Lion Apparel's helmets helpt Tennessee Fire Dept fulfil custom colour specifications

The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department (TCVFD) in Collegedale, Tennessee, had a need for traditional-style firefighting helmets in lime yellow, but the department's helmet supplier at the time was not able to deliver at a price that fit into their grant allowance. TCVFD Battalion Chief Thomas Cook presented Lion Apparel (Lion) with a challenge: If Lion could match the lime yellow color in a traditional-style fire helmet, his department would wear test Lion's Paul Conway helmets. Lion rose to the challenge, and the American Classic model helmets have exceeded Chief Cook's expectations in both look and comfort.

"Our ultimate goal was to continue our helmet color-coding scheme for rank structure," Chief Cook said. "We have been using this system in the department for more than 20 years to identify the capability levels of our firefighters and recognize those who have stayed with the department."

Launched at the 2007 FDIC in Indianapolis, Lion's Paul Conway helmet line puts the personal back in personal protective equipment (PPE) by offering NFPA 1971 certified American Classic and Legacy 5 helmets in custom colors.

"Lion is the only manufacturer to offer exact Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors, or we can match any sample color," said Teresa Lawson, Lion's product manager for helmets. "This means our customers can personalize their helmets in any color they want."

"We are very pleased with the helmets, especially because the custom coloring allowed us to continue our tradition of the color scheme at a price we could afford," Chief Cook said.