Chicago FD Helmets – styles and mountings

This from Fred McCahey:

Has anyone done a special on helmets, particularly the ones with “eagles” on them?

In a photo I previously submitted to FireScenes.net, I noticed LT Sutherland had an “Eagle” holding the Lt SS-1 shield in place (posted July 4th 2014). It was rather large and is not seen frequently on current helmets. In fact they seem to be shrinking. Although, in an Erik Haak photo (posted to FireScenes.net 7/7/14) a Truck 41 member has the flattened out Eagle.I am not sure of the lingo, but I’m hoping someone has info on these rather massive looking holders.

Tags: CFD LT. Bob Sutherland, Chicago FD Helmets - styles and mountings, Chicago FD SS1, FireScenes.NET, Fred McCahey

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4 Comments (and one trackback)

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#1 by Fred on September 9, 2014 - 1:51 PM

David – thanks for the info on the “Eagle”. It definitely was a prominent feature on helmets. The new ones look like a squashed eagle!
Tom – that was a Dacor dive light, Bob was a rep for them. Still have it – in working order, along with a green SS-1 front for a Carins helmet.
#2 by David on September 9, 2014 - 4:41 AM

Also when talking about the fronts – anybody knows when the CFD started to use the metallic number plates on the fronts?! I’d guess around 1900 or even earlier?! Also who was the manufacturer of these?!
#3 by tom sllivan on September 8, 2014 - 11:04 PM

as I recall the hi-eagle that is on his helmet was a reproduction of the “original” . I believe they were made by a ss-1 ff and quite a few were seen in the 70’s. also note the “dacor” brand dive light. these lights set the standard for the many high end lights that are in use today. although heavy and bulky they could really take a beating and put out a good beam. these were widely used until the ’90s. the company was located in northfield il. and would repair or replace the lights as needed. the company went out of business.
#4 by David on September 8, 2014 - 4:07 PM

Fred, I believe what you see on the photo of Lt. Sutherland is a “Hi-Eagle”. The helmet looks like a classic Cairns N5A with the standard 6 inch front, but he’s got an oversized front holder (the Hi-Eagle) made for the vintage big 8 inch fronts. From what I’ve seen the CFD FFs used to wear these in some cases up until the mid/late 70s or so. During the late 50s – early 60s sometimes even still with the large 8 inch fronts. They were beautifull but I think they are pretty much gone forever. But from what I’ve seen there has been a slight epidemic of the oldschool 6 inch fronts recently.