Rescue Helmet
- Description
- Arlington Fire Department rescue helmet. The helmet is bright yellow with a cap-style brim, rubber impact rim, and chin strap. On the front of the helmet is the Arlington Fire Department logo. On the back of the helmet is printed "ACFD" in black text. Two commemorative stickers are also on the helmet. One sticker is red with white printed text: "F.D.N.Y. | In Memory of | Brothers in Battle." The other sticker is a pentagon shape with an American flag and the Twin Towers set within the date "9-11-01" with additional text: "Remember | Arlington, Virginia."
- Historical Notes
- Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department Captain Robert Gray wore this helmet while searching for 9/11 victims at the Pentagon.
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 later in the day to resume rescue efforts. He and other firefighters at the scene were issued protective yellow hard hat helmets, which offered more protection and increased their visibility in the darkened building.
Gray and his tactical rescue team worked 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 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 and his tactical rescue team worked 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 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.
- Accession Number: C.2012.600.1
- Dimensions: 9 in X 10.5 in X 12.25 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 22.86 cm X 26.67 cm X 31.115 cm
- Source: Robert Gray
- Credit Line: Gift of Bob Gray, Chief, Arlington Virginia Fire Department
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