Fire Critic An Unadulterated View of the Fire Service
This years Christmas gifts list is coming out just in time. This year, I tried to focus on more affordable gift ideas than helmets and boots I have always had on the list in the past. There are still some higher dollar gifts, but most are within reason I think. . Take your time and look through them. If you are a firefighter, share this with your friends, family, and significant other!
Of course, you could always go back through the previous years articles for more gift ideas: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.
Before we get started, you might check out OurDesigns.com, EmergencyStuff.com, and Amazon.com
10. Channellock 87 8.88-Inch Compact Rescue Tool
- Shuts off gas safety valves
- Pries windows and doors open
- Hardened cutting edges shear through soft metal
- Standard battery cables are no match for its cutting power
- Narrow jaw profile fits in tight spots
9. Streamlight 69140 Vantage LED Tactical Helmet Mounted Flashlight
- Case made from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with black anodized finish
- High temperature, shock mounted, impact resistant Boro Float glass lens
- C4 LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,00 hour lifetime
- 470nm ultra-bright blue LED safety tail light with a 100,000 hour lifetime
- Dual direction, easy access on/off switch located on rear of light
Here are some other ideas for Handheld Flashlights
8. Firefighter Calendars
Whether you are shopping for a male or female firefighter, friend, family member, or just someone who likes firefighters there is something for them in this post. All of the calendars are done tastefully. Most benefit charities across the Globe. All include firefighters. Check out the top 25 Firefighter Calendars here.
7. Firemans Chore Denim Jacket
These are very popular jackets among firefighters. They have many options and you can customize them the way you would like. About: Firemans Chore® Inc. is located in Indianapolis, Indiana offering you the “Original” Denim Chore and Diamond Quilted Job Jackets Made in the USA. A Firefighter owned and operated company since 2004, we bring you a line of tradional firefighters jackets that can’t be beat for style and comfort. They offer IAFF firefighter gear, and bagpiper gear as well including buckles, brooch’s, cap badges, and sporrans. Visit Firemans chore online here
6. Firefighting Helmet Camera
FireVideo.net (home of the Fire Cam) has everything you need to capture your point of view in HD. You never know what the camera will capture while you are running calls, training, or whatever else you do in your helmet!
One thing that many learn about using helmet cameras is that not only do you have to make sure the battery is charged…YOU HAVE TO TURN IT ON. Fire Cam has come up with a simple one button push to get the camera on and recording…it is as simple as that.
They just rolled out the NEW 2015 Fire Cam 1080 (Non WiFi) with FREE 16GB Card
5. Custom Leather Accessories
Custom leather shields, radio straps, glove straps, suspenders, chin straps, and other items are a great way for a firefighter to show off his/her PRIDE of Firefighting. Although some of these items probably won’t be ready and shipped by Christmas, you should look into getting your firefighter a gift certificate or credit to one of these great companies. That way, your firefighter can get the item personalized exactly the way they want! I recommend one of the leather shops below:
4. Glove Crafters Firefighting Gloves
Glove Crafters has many choices for firefighters to pick from. I currently wear the Fire Armor and I love them. I haven’t had a single issue with them and have found them to be very comfortable and easy to take on and off even when they are wet.
100% Made in the USA. A lot of companies claim to have gloves “made in the USA”, but at Glove Crafters,their gloves are 100% handcrafted in Quitman, Arkansas.
3. Jewelry for your Firefighter
Check out the neverending list of jewelry available for your firefighter on Amazon. Popular items are this FIREFIGHTER Wings & Wishes Angel Pin (guardian angel) and Pin St Florian Patron of Firefighters
2. Fire Service Books
I have recently compiled a two-part article on the best fire service books. Trust me, firefighters are thirsty for knowledge…plus giving them something to 
read might give their spouse some much needed quite time (we are a loud bunch). Check out the articles here: Top Firefighting Books Part I and Top Firefighting Books Part II
With over 100 books to choose from how can you go wrong. If I could only suggest one, it would be Pass It On: What We Know
What We Want You to Know!
1. Purchase a Brick at the NFFF Memorial
The park features a brick Walk of Honor® that connects the monument, the historic Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, and memorial plazas. Each brick on the walkway bears a personal inscription. Proceeds from the sale of these bricks help to finance construction of the Memorial Park.
The Walk of Honor® continues to expand and now contains more than 10,000 inscribed bricks. Numbered sections help donors and recipients locate their special bricks. More info here
If you don’t want to get a brick…check out the NFFF Store for more ideas.
