Gift for a Fire Fighter

[sodak]

For all you firemen out there, what would be a good present for someone graduating from a Fire Academy? I was thinking some sort of multi tool or breaching tool? I'm out of my depth on this one, thanks!

 

[barleywino]

I’m not a fireman but since firemen train in rope rescue and personal escape from burning structures, I would suggest an autolocking descender such as a Petzl Stop descender, with Freino Z carabiner for added friction / control

 

[Sharpoholic]

Good boots. Or a good Pulaski if he’s wildland

 

[Charlie Fox]

After a 40 year career I can say that a great gift would be a decent (but not expensive) 3" one handed opening lock folder like a CRKT Drifter and a good personal flashlight, like a Streamlight 1L/1AA. These are something they'll use daily and can replace when they lose or break them (if you put a Firefighter in a round room with two bowling balls, they'll break one and lose the other )

 

[Ken C.]

I’m not a fireman but since firemen train in rope rescue and personal escape from burning structures, I would suggest an autolocking descender such as a Petzl Stop descender, with Freino Z carabiner for added friction / control

I would avoid any sort of gift such as this because he would most likely not be properly trained on it's use AND a bail out system is a standard issue item and part of our everyday gear which requires annual training. Independently purchasing such an item adds an unneeded liability to an already risky profession.

I've been on the job for 25 years and I carry a Spyderco Rescue 3 on my person, a Spyderco Assist on my turnout gear, and a pair of shears. Everything else I've purchased are items not issued to me such as a Streamlight Survivor flashlight and a helmet mounted Streamlight Vanguard 180 light. Lighting is a firefighters friend. Go that route instead of a knife if you wish to gift them something.

I would also point out that probies usually follow the lead of what other firefighters carry, purchase, and use regularly. Honestly, I would just get them a gift certificate to a reputable dealer and let them make the choices themselves.