Odessa Fire Rescue makes change to its firefighter helmet color tradition

Odessa Fire Rescue is making a change to its tradition of giving out firefighter helmet colors by rank.

Rookies at OFR currently receive black helmets, which will continue. In the past, however, captains and chiefs received a white helmet.

Now, when firefighters are promoted to captain, they will receive a red helmet. Only chiefs will wear white helmets.

Why does this matter?

“This plays a pivotal role in knowing who is in charge at the scene of a fire and can impact their plan of attack,” city officials said. “Plus, who doesn’t love tradition, right?”