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Deceased members gear
The family of a deceased member of our department was cleaning out some of his belongings, it has been a couple years since his passing, not a LODD, and gave a helmet to a probie who is a distant relative. A couple of members have told the probie that to wear it would be disrespectful. I have never heard of any tradition that a deceased members gear shouldn't be used. Personally I think it honors the deceased. I would like to hear some other opinions, or insight on any traditions on the use of turnout gear that belonged to a now deceased firefighter.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on
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We have given gear to the family in cases such as this. I would respect the wishes of the family. If they chose to share the gear with others, then I would honor that. It's a positive thing.
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Permalink Reply by Susan Wills on
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I inherited my Dad's gear when he passed away and wore his helmet proudly until it aged out of service. It was a small way to honor him and one day it will pass to my son who is also a firefighter.
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Permalink Reply by Chris on
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An old FF a my station died, and his turnout gear was first passed to his widow who decided to keep his helmet, peak cap and a few other badges and things. The rest was returned to headquaters. He had some 40+ year old turnout gear, including a brass helmet, top-boots and the old brass button jacket and pants. I drive our vintage 1930 Dennis 250 pumper to special occasions, and the vintage turnout gear was given to me to wear while doing this. I am honoured to put it on every time we take the old girl out, and I smile every time I open my locker and see it hanging there, its a constant reminder of a man we loved. I dont think there is any disrespect in wearing a passed FF's gear, quite the opposite.
Cheers
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Permalink Reply by Seth Yahraes on
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I dont see the problem with the coats, pants, and boots. However i think that the persons helmet should be presented to the family of the deceased at the funeral. I dont think the helmet should ever be placed into service again.
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Permalink Reply by kyle catalano on
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its that departments call on it. but at our department the gear of a fallen firefighter is retired and offered to the family, then a spare helmet is numbered with his/hers number and rank in black and placed in our trophy case. but it is a personal opinion of the department and others.
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