Fire Helmet
- Description
- Morning Pride Ben Franklin brand fire helmet with leather front piece bearing the identification of "Captain | R104 | Arlington." The faded yellow helmet has reflective stickers and is covered in soot, giving it a dirty appearance. There is an American flag sticker on the back of the helmet, also covered in soot. A pair of black ski-style goggles are attached to the rim of the helmet by thick plastic tubing. Inside the helmet is a suspension ratchet covered in fabric and attached to a fireproof textile, designed to protect the neck area that attaches under the chin with Velcro. On the underside of the back helmet rim is a piece of Velcro with an identification tag that reads: "R.T. Gray | Captain."
- Historical Notes
- Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department Captain Robert Gray wore this helmet during his career, including the firefight at the Pentagon on 9/11.
Curator's Comment
On 9/11, Captain Robert Gray heard about the unfolding terrorist attack while at a training conference in Washington, D.C. Gray and his team, Arlington Fire Department Tactical Rescue Team, Station 4, responded to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, arriving shortly after the facade of the building had partially collapsed. He worked on-site until after midnight, leaving for a brief rest before returning the next day to resume rescue efforts.
Gray and his tactical rescue team worked throughout the first two weeks of rescue and recovery at the Pentagon, shoring up damaged sections of the building and helping in the recovery of victims. He preserved the rescue helmet he wore during that time and presented it to the Museum after his retirement. Gray, who was promoted to battalion chief in 2004, retired in late 2010.
Gray donated this career fire helmet to the 9/11 Museum in 2014.
Gray and his tactical rescue team worked throughout the first two weeks of rescue and recovery at the Pentagon, shoring up damaged sections of the building and helping in the recovery of victims. He preserved the rescue helmet he wore during that time and presented it to the Museum after his retirement. Gray, who was promoted to battalion chief in 2004, retired in late 2010.
Gray donated this career fire helmet to the 9/11 Museum in 2014.
- Accession Number: C.2025.5.1
- Dimensions: 8 in X 10 in X 15.5 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 20.32 cm X 25.4 cm X 39.37 cm
- Source: Robert Gray
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Gray
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