A Bronx bend is a type of dance move which originated from the Bronx in the United States. It involves the dancer bending the entire body and quickly shifting their weight from side to side. The dancer will continuously alternate between quick sways and slower, more controlled movements back and forth.
This is done all while maintaining control over the entire upper body and keeping the arms in motion as if he or she is performing an ‘s’ gesture with them. The feet also change position rapidly and adjust to different angles as the body moves from side to side.
The Bronx bend is a unique dance move that displays creativity and poise which has been popularized by professional dancers and turned into a trademark. It has become significantly admired by the dance community and is a move that conveys strength, flexibility and agility.
Can the FDNY wear leather helmets?
Yes, members of the FDNY are allowed to wear leather helmets. This is a longstanding tradition, and it dates back to the earliest days of the fire department in the late 19th century. The classic leather helmets were first introduced in 1894, and they are still in use today.
The iconic black leather helmet with the fireman’s shield – or “badge” – is a symbol of the FDNY, and it is seen all over the city. The traditional leather helmets are designed to be tough and durable, and they provide a certain level of protection for firefighters.
They are also highly visible, making it easier for firefighters to be located during an emergency. Although FDNY has transitioned to using modern helmets made from special materials such as Kevlar, the classic leather helmet remains an iconic symbol of the FDNY.
Why are fireman hats shaped like that?
Fireman hats are traditionally shaped like a dome or bucket with a brim, and this is a design that has been around since the 19th century. The shape of the fireman’s hat was initially designed to keep the rain or water off the face of the firemen while they were fighting fires, as they were often outdoors in the elements.
Additionally, the broad brim of the design allowed the firemen to easily be seen in the smoke of a fire, allowing for easier communication between them and their comrades. The hats were also designed to be durable and easily recognizable, so that those in danger would be able to quickly identify firemen, who were there to help them.
In the modern era, this shape and style of hat are still used by firefighters, although the materials used as well as the style of the hat has evolved to make them comfortable, durable, and modern.
How do you bend a leather helmet?
Bending a leather helmet requires a few tools and careful attention so that the helmet remains intact and in good condition. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Start by dampening the leather with cool water. Use a sponge or a cloth and saturate the helmet evenly.
2. Place two clamps on either side of the area of the helmet that you would like to bend. Make sure to leave enough room so that the leather can move freely.
3. Use a wooden or metal rod to carefully bend the leather helmet into the desired shape. Take your time and be gentle to avoid any cracks or tears.
4. Allow the leather to dry completely before putting the helmet on or using it for any sporting activities.
5. Once dry, buff the helmet with a soft dry cloth to bring out any shine and restore the leather’s natural color.
Do leather fire helmets expire?
The short answer is yes, leather fire helmets do expire. Depending on the manufacturer, the length of time for a leather fire helmet to be in service can vary, but most expire after five to seven years.
Factors like wear and tear, storage conditions, environment, and maintenance all determine the usable life of the helmet.
It is important to note that just because a certificate of compliance might be up to date, the helmet itself may have already exceeded its expiration date. In other words, the helmet may not provide necessary protection if it is more than five to seven years old, even if it is certified for use.
Many departments require regular inspections of the leather fire helmets at least every two to three years. The purpose of the inspections is to check fire helmets for any signs of damage or wear before they need to be retired.
Fire helmet inspections should include checking the brim, leather, and stitching, as well as the suspension and suspension brackets.
Fire helmets should also be periodically cleaned and conditioned to maintain the leather and extend the life of the helmet. It is best to use cleaning products specifically designed for leather fire helmets.
In summary, leather fire helmets do expire and need to be replaced every five to seven years or the length of time stipulated by the manufacturer. Regular inspections and proper care are also essential to ensure the leather fire helmet is providing the necessary protection.
Why can’t firefighters have beards?
The main reason fire departments won’t allow firefighters to have beards is for safety reasons. Beards can provide an extra layer of protection from smoke and heat, however, they can also interfere with the airtight seal of a firefighter’s mask, potentially allowing heat and smoke to bypass the protection of the mask and reach the face, eyes, nose and throat.
The particles and vapor in smoke can cause severe irritation and damage to the respiratory system, making it difficult to breathe and potentially putting a firefighter’s life in danger.
Additionally, beards can harbor bacteria and dust particles, increasing the risk of cross-contamination between patients and even putting a patient’s health at risk.
Finally, some fire departments want their firefighters to look professional in order to maintain their authority, particularly when dealing with difficult situations, and a beard can make a firefighter look disheveled or unprofessional.
In conclusion, fire departments prohibit firefighters from having beards due to safety, contamination and professional reasons.
What is the age limit for FDNY?
The age limit for the FDNY can vary depending on the individual’s level of education. For example, a candidate who has earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher can be up to 35 years old at the time of application.
However, applicants who possess a high school diploma, GED, or lesser education can only be up to 29 years of age at time of application. These age limits apply until the actual date of appointment at which time it can increase up to 39 years old.
Additionally all candidates must complete the application process, including any physical tests, prior to their 35th birthday.
Do fire departments still use leather helmets?
Yes, many fire departments across the U. S. still use leather helmets as part of their standard firefighting equipment. Leather helmets are considered traditional protective headgear for firefighters, due to their relatively low cost, good visibility, and durability.
Though modern helmets are manufactured with metal and plastic, leather helmets remain one of the most popular choices and are regularly used by many fire departments.
Leather helmets play an important role in the safety of firefighters, since they are designed to provide protection from smoke, sparks, and falling debris. Additionally, because of their low cost, they are often distributed as loaners by fire departments and are given out to new members or shared by experienced firefighters.
For these reasons, leather helmets remain an item associated with firefighting to this day.
What leather helmets are NFPA approved?
There are a variety of leather helmets that have been approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting covers the various safety requirements for all approved helmets.
The NFPA approved leather helmets meet the minimum requirements for protection from elevated heat and flame and impact, which are critical components when it comes to firefighting.
The primary components of the NFPA approved leather helmets are the shell, headband and suspension system. The helmet shell is made of durable leather and acts as the outer layer of protection against both heat and impact.
The NFPA approved helmet shells must demonstrate a burn time of at least 1 minute in order to receive approval. The headband is a crucial part of the helmet and must be properly fitted to the user’s head in order to provide a secure, comfortable fit.
The suspension system of the helmet works to absorb the impact of falling materials or objects and must remain securely attached to the helmet shell at all times. The NFPA approved suspension systems must remain in place for a minimum of three minutes during a simulated test in order to receive approval.
Overall, the NFPA approved leather helmets provide a wide range of protection for firefighters without sacrificing comfort or fit. The combination of the durable shell, comfortable headband, and reliable suspension system ensure that firefighters remain safe and secure when responding to emergency calls.
Why do firefighters put cards on their helmets?
Firefighters put cards on their helmets as a way to identify each other in the smoke, fire, and extreme darkness that they often find themselves in when responding to an emergency. It’s important for firefighters to be able to quickly and accurately identify each other so that they can establish a chain of command and perform their duties in a timely and organized manner.
The cards serve as a marker, helping firefighters identify other members on the team and make sure they don’t get separated. The cards also come in handy in situations where firefighters may not be wearing their full gear, such as in low-visibility environments.
If a firefighter is wearing a helmet with a card, it’s a quick and reliable way for others to recognize them. In the event of an injury, the cards can provide crews with vital information about the firefighter, such as their rank and experience level, helping to prioritize medical care.
What do playing cards on helmets mean?
Playing cards on helmets typically signify something special about the soldier or the unit that the soldier is part of. In the United States Army, for example, a playing card on a soldier’s helmet can mean that they are a member of the unit’s marksmanship team.
It might also mean that the soldier has successfully completed a particular exercise. In some instances, a playing card is used to indicate an awards such as a Purple Heart or a Combat Infantry Badge.
In addition, such symbols can also indicate that a unit is part of a special operations group. During the Vietnam War, playing cards were popular amongst pilots who wanted to signify their flying ability.
Placing a card on their helmet indicated that they were an ace in the air. In short, playing cards on helmets can signify anything from being an elite marksman or pilot to receiving an award for bravery or for successful completion of a mission.
Why did soldiers carry playing cards?
The short answer is that soldiers carried playing cards to pass the time. During the long days of military service, soldiers needed something to occupy their minds during periods of downtime. Playing cards fit the bill and became a popular pastime during military service, especially during the two World Wars.
Most servicemen weren’t allowed to keep a pocket full of money, so playing cards were the most convenient form of entertainment. It was also a great way to build camaraderie and keep morale up amongst groups of soldiers.
Although poker and blackjack were banned in some military units due to gambling being a potential distraction, many armies actually gave out decks of cards in tin boxes as part of their standard supplies.
In addition to simple card games, soldiers also used playing cards for fortune telling. It was believed that cards could show them their future and provide insight on the fate of their military service and the war.
For example, a soldier might draw a card and interpret the values to predict their individual success or failure in battle, or the overall success of their side.
Finally, playing cards were also a convenient way to keep track of records. Soldiers used poker chips as a form of currency and ranks were assigned to card faces and symbols. In this way, military units could use cards to monitor supplies and keep records of camps and units in the field.
What does a black firefighter helmet mean?
A black firefighter helmet is a symbol that typically represents top-level leaders within a fire department, such as a chief or shift commander. The helmet also signifies command presence and authority, as well as that the wearer has received the appropriate certification and training to be in a command position.
Black firefighter helmets have been used by firefighter organizations since the 1800s and remain a symbol of rank, leadership, and duty among today’s firefighting units. It is important to note, however, that black firefighter helmets are not only used for indicating rank.
Within some organizations, black firefighter helmets are also used as protective gear designed for use during hostile environmental conditions, such as intense heat, smoke, and extreme weather. Generally, the black color of the helmet offers increased protection from the thermal radiation caused by fires and therefore helps keep the wearer cool and protected.
In this way, even if the black firefighter helmet does not indicate a command position, it can still be used as an essential form of protection for the wearer and their team.
What do firemen call each other?
Firefighters typically refer to each other in a variety of terms, depending on the circumstances, relationship, rank and other aspects. Some of the terms most commonly used to refer to other firefighters include “brothers” or “sisters” to refer to the family-like bond firefighters often share within their stations and departments; “military-style names” for more official, hierarchical references; “buddy,” “pal,” and “mate” as friendly terms of endearment; “comrade” to show support for the mission of the department; and “face,” which is an affectionate term for a firefighter who is keen to work.
For firefighters of higher ranks, such as captains and chiefs, the term “sir” or “ma’am” is often used.
What is slang for helmet?
Slang for helmet can be referred to generally as a “lid” or “brain-bucket”. Both terms are used to describe helmets because they protect your head, kind of like a lid on a pot, or like a bucket that is meant to shelter your brain.
The term ‘lid’ can be used to refer to any type of helmet such as a motorcycle helmet, skateboarding helmet, or ski helmet.