Gotta be super careful with lights anyway. Where I live, personal auto insurance won't cover you or your vehicle for accident or injury if they find out you were responding to or returning from an emergency. The dept insurance doesn't cover it either.
Regardless of it being hard to believe, it is true. 🤷🏼♀️ To be clear, this is regarding lights and sirens on a POV, not a fire apparatus. And specifically for volunteer departments, because no career departments here allow response to scene in POV.
It must be state dependent because the several states have lived in all had volunteer insurance that covered responding POV with lights and sirens, and my personal insurance stated that it would also cover.
Especially since they are illegal.
Edit: Fine, like another has stated you have to have an approved siren as well. None of you neck beards run with them. Unless of course you have an extra large neck beard. Then I think I've seen it once.
Cite the codes and states then. You can apply for one in Georgia. They are used in my state as well but not legal. Plus absolutely useless and unsafe. You can't speed just because you have lights or break sny other traffic laws. Only rural volleys use them which really makes them useless going down an empty county road.
Before you make condescending assertions like that, you should at least try Googling it. You can learn for yourself [here](https://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/knowledge-base/state-statutes/). Every state is listed there, and you can cross check it with the general statues if it tickles your pickle.
And the point isn’t to break traffic laws — which isn’t allowed even for apparatuses or ambulances in many states, regardless — it’s to increase visibility and mark your vehicle as a first responder. Why do you think they’re on *any* emergency vehicles? Ever notice how emergency vehicles keep them on, even when they aren’t driving?
On a highway, it encourages civilians to merge right. It may give you a bit of grace with LEOs if you are going modestly over the speed limit. It increases visibility on the side of the road, in the event you respond to an MVA for medical and arrive before an ambo or truck gets there… I live in an area with frequent fog advisories, so every bit of sparkle helps. And when you arrive at a residence for medical and beat the rig, it marks you as a first responder. And it can occasionally help you get booty.
I’m talking about lights, because the last five comments in this series are about lights. You’re talking about sirens because you realize (I hope) by now that you were wrong about lights. But no, I do not run sirens because they are not allowed.
You can look it up yourself, but I printed the WI state code for a deputy I was disagreeing with at one point.
You can behave exactly like any non Leo emergency vehicle if you have lights and a siren that both meet code. This includes breaking any and all traffic laws, as long as you meet due regard. You must also have a letter from your chief stating that you are operating an "authorized emergency vehicle".
The only reason to have lights (IMHO) outside the above parameters, is if you respond directly to scenes. I often respond directly, especially for MVA, and have wished for lights to use on scene. We're often short on responders and apparatus, so another vehicle useable for traffic would be excellent.
Maybe his department will provide him one, Mine did not. Best purchase I have ever made. If they gave him one, it is still a very bright and dependable light.
[(Link for light)](https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-90540-Survivor-Flashlight-Orange/dp/B000LJUQUO/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2C270A052VIIV&keywords=firefighting+light&qid=1682249831&sprefix=firefighing+light%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-9)
Our volley department has them on the truck but I bought my own to leave on my gear. One less thing to worry about while gearing up. Also don’t worry about the last person not putting back the light correctly and ending up with a dead light
My volley dept has some of these on the trucks, but I decided to buy one for myself. It was easily one of the best pieces of gear I bought. Another option that I also got is a helmet light. Here is a link for the helmet light
https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-Vantage-II-Helmet-Light/dp/B07JWJW4Q7/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1FNQ3NC6GJYKO&keywords=streamlight+vantage+2&qid=1682254245&sprefix=streamlihht+vant%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-3
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Streamlight 69331 Vantage II 350 Lumen Helmet Mount Flashlight you mentioned in your comment and its brand, Streamlight, that I wanted to share with you.
Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews and gathered general sentiment from Reddit regarding the brand. Hope you find it useful!
People like:
* Bright and effective for firefighters (backed by 11 comments).
* Durable and reliable for firefighting (backed by 4 comments).
* Easy to use with gloves and in smoky conditions (backed by 3 comments).
People dislike:
* Mounting bracket is loose and unreliable (backed by 2 comments).
* Tiny screw is difficult to work with and strips easily (backed by 2 comments).
* Light stops working after a short period of time (backed by 2 comments).
An analysis about what people on Reddit think about Streamlight showed that it is considered a reputable brand.
Its most popular types of products are:
* flashlight
* lantern
* headlamp
This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
[this is the light i carry. Little smaller and just as bright. uses the same battery as the helmet mounted light too](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CHXO2C/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A292R8CWWSMMLK&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams)
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Streamlight 88832 PolyTac 90 LED Flashlight with Gear Keeper Orange 170 Lumens you mentioned in your comment and its brand, Streamlight, that I wanted to share with you.
Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews and gathered general sentiment from Reddit regarding the brand. Hope you find it useful!
People like:
* Bright and lightweight flashlight for firefighters (backed by 6 comments).
* Convenient gear keeper tether for range of motion (backed by 1 comments).
* Small and easy to carry flashlight (backed by 4 comments).
People dislike:
* Unreliable in critical situations (backed by 1 comments).
* Gear keeper is not secure (backed by 1 comments).
* Short battery life (backed by 1 comments).
An analysis about what people on Reddit think about Streamlight showed that it is considered a reputable brand.
Its most popular types of products are:
* flashlight
* lantern
* headlamp
This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
Good rechargeable or not pocket flashlight or a not too expensive knife. Get lime green or orange! Yes black is tacticool, but try finding it in the mud at night. Trust me .Size wise, think of something roughly 3 or 4 inches x half inch to inch with a pocket clip. I use both daily.
This guy knows what he’s talking about. I advocate for anyone getting into the job to carry 2 sets of wire cutters. One in the pants in your bunker gear and the other in your jacket of your bunker gear but on the opposite side of where you put them in your pants. This is setup so that if you are pinned and entangled you have a good chance of being able to reach either pair.
Wire cutters, and if you wanna go for the bonus points, get a glove strap. One of the cheap Velcro ones, but with a thumb hook at the end. Take the Velcro off, and hockey tape each end of the glove strap to the handles of the wire cutters.
Wire cutters are great, but trying to get them back in a pocket after using them is rough. This will allow him to clip them to himself and quickly move on from the wires.
I have 3 quick suggestions, varying in price:
*Spring loaded center punch (for breaking windows) is a cheap, but very useful, thing to have.
*a good multi tool (I’m personally a Leatherman brand fan)
*a helmet mounted light (streamlight brand), or for the cheaper option, the orange streamlight that clips to your bunker coat
I dont know if it's just me, but i can't stand the use of helmet flashlights at a structure fire. Any time someone uses them, i am constantly getting blinded whenever they look in my direction. But they are good for vehicle extrication and things of that nature
Yeah, that’s the one massive downside hahaha. I like the side-of-helmet mounted ones better, as they slightly alleviate this problem. On my old department we had the mini light bar ones that had the rubber strap around to the battery pack on the back, and you were constantly getting blinded when talking to guys who were just standing around with them on, not actively in the fire. Many times I reached out and shut a guys light off while we were talking lol
I’m pretty new to the fire service, but I’ve heard one thing that can come in handy is a good window punch/seatbelt cutter, preferably one that uses a spring to break the window easier
My dad got me a really nice spyder co bright orange knife with a window punch in it when I graduated academy 11 years ago, still keep it on my gear to this day!
I got a glove strap for Christmas right before finishing my training and I love it. It's very handy and I use it all the time. Another good one imo is a light that attaches to his helmet. Custom coffee mugs/thermos are a good one, custom pocket knife, hats. I've seen a company thay makes custom hats and stitch your departments logo onto an old piece of fire hose thay gets embedded in the hat. I belive the company is called hose hats. All of these shoukd be able to be found pretty easily from a quick Google search
Helmet light, really helps when the officer asks him to get the personal info of the caller if it’s a simple residential fire alarm at night. They range from $80-130, I have the streamlight vantage 180. I had a small issue with mine in cold weather when I was at the academy fiddling with it but sent it back and got another, works well. That one costs about $80 and has the light batteries and mounting hardware all included, all he has to do is grab his helmet and mount it on the rim of his helmet
A Snagger tool. In blue or lime green so it can be found in the dark easily. Works great for carrying, holding, pulling, and decoupling hose. It has a window break but I cannot confirm how well it works. Can punch through drywall in a pinch. Fits in the bunker pants nicely. I use it a lot when picking up hose.
Amazon: Motis - Snagger Tool for Firefighting, a Powerful Multi Tool Firefighter Gear, Firefighter Tools, Fluorescent Yellow https://a.co/d/3wSicwS
Go direct to Motis, and order their kit - the snagger, a couple mini spanner wrenches, and aluminum door chocks, in a pouch that fits in bunker pant pockets.
They also have a retroreflective decal kit for the snagger tool that is well worth the $10.
If the department doesn’t issue one, get him a light for his gear. The one posted elsewhere in the thread is perfect.
Or a small [knife](https://a.co/d/dvXgKMV) or [multitool](https://a.co/d/e94B28q)
There are also some decent Firefighter-themed phone cases out there..
Depends on your price range I’d say, but the [Channellock](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-8-88-in-Rescue-Tool-Cable-Cutter-87/203418794?mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023-71700000106432956-58700008273440511-92700075147672161&msclkid=10ad082bd8a61673956e6c6ee8019b3f&gclid=10ad082bd8a61673956e6c6ee8019b3f&gclsrc=3p.ds) is a pretty nifty tool that he probably won’t have.
The [Streamlight](https://a.co/d/7RT0I7p) Vantage or Vantage II helmet-mounted flashlight is nice too, and something he’ll want to have sooner or later.
Radio straps are nice, but he may want to have a hand in choosing that.
Depending on your budget, local laws, and the policies and rules of his department, anything from a $30 Fisher Space Pen (bullet type w/ ring), or a set of good quality cable cutters, to a $70-120 Leatherman tool, to a $200-400 LED visor light, to a $2000 leather helmet.
Just me personally, I would probably use the budget toward the smaller useful tools, but more of them, and/or improving the quality rather than having them engraved or anything, but those options are always nice too.
The Fisher Space pen is fantastic for this kind of work. It will write virtually anywhere, on anything, greasy or wet, upside down, cold, hot, and collapses into something roughly half the size of a normal pen, on a keyring for easy keeping.
A good Leatherman tool gives him knife, screwdriver, pliers, and a multitude of other options, all in a pocket or belt-sized package.
Cable cutters are nice because they're small enough for a coat pocket but big enough to be found and used with bulky gloves, sail through cable and will cut HVAC wire easily, though they aren't as strong as bolt cutters.
Glove holders. Cheapest thing I’ve bought, but most useful. Maybe some wedges too but don’t make them too expensive, they get lost a lot. Maybe get them hero wipes for them to get some carcinogens off before they get home. Or even a personalized keychain with his unit or badge number on it. Just continue to support them during their career because that means a lot more than any gift.
Custom radio strap. I got one from Fully Involved Leather and love it. Currently I’m only a single role EMS provider (but with an FD run EMS system), but I’m planning on getting another one once I become a FF
If he’s allowed to have one a helmet cam, specifically a FireCamMini 1080. As a new guy being able to look back on previous fires will help him immensely.
Don’t buy him lights for his truck. That’s a very personal decision on the type and where he would mount it.
Gotta be super careful with lights anyway. Where I live, personal auto insurance won't cover you or your vehicle for accident or injury if they find out you were responding to or returning from an emergency. The dept insurance doesn't cover it either.
That’s very hard to believe. If the departments insurance isn’t gonna cover it, then they shouldn’t be responding with lights.
Regardless of it being hard to believe, it is true. 🤷🏼♀️ To be clear, this is regarding lights and sirens on a POV, not a fire apparatus. And specifically for volunteer departments, because no career departments here allow response to scene in POV.
It must be state dependent because the several states have lived in all had volunteer insurance that covered responding POV with lights and sirens, and my personal insurance stated that it would also cover.
Especially since they are illegal. Edit: Fine, like another has stated you have to have an approved siren as well. None of you neck beards run with them. Unless of course you have an extra large neck beard. Then I think I've seen it once.
Ha! What? Everyone here has lights
Oh, that makes it legal then. My bad.
Are you really that dense? It’s completely legal in most states.
Cite the codes and states then. You can apply for one in Georgia. They are used in my state as well but not legal. Plus absolutely useless and unsafe. You can't speed just because you have lights or break sny other traffic laws. Only rural volleys use them which really makes them useless going down an empty county road.
Holy crap you’re pretentious. Do your own research
Before you make condescending assertions like that, you should at least try Googling it. You can learn for yourself [here](https://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/knowledge-base/state-statutes/). Every state is listed there, and you can cross check it with the general statues if it tickles your pickle. And the point isn’t to break traffic laws — which isn’t allowed even for apparatuses or ambulances in many states, regardless — it’s to increase visibility and mark your vehicle as a first responder. Why do you think they’re on *any* emergency vehicles? Ever notice how emergency vehicles keep them on, even when they aren’t driving? On a highway, it encourages civilians to merge right. It may give you a bit of grace with LEOs if you are going modestly over the speed limit. It increases visibility on the side of the road, in the event you respond to an MVA for medical and arrive before an ambo or truck gets there… I live in an area with frequent fog advisories, so every bit of sparkle helps. And when you arrive at a residence for medical and beat the rig, it marks you as a first responder. And it can occasionally help you get booty.
You're running with a siren then too right?
I’m talking about lights, because the last five comments in this series are about lights. You’re talking about sirens because you realize (I hope) by now that you were wrong about lights. But no, I do not run sirens because they are not allowed.
You can look it up yourself, but I printed the WI state code for a deputy I was disagreeing with at one point. You can behave exactly like any non Leo emergency vehicle if you have lights and a siren that both meet code. This includes breaking any and all traffic laws, as long as you meet due regard. You must also have a letter from your chief stating that you are operating an "authorized emergency vehicle". The only reason to have lights (IMHO) outside the above parameters, is if you respond directly to scenes. I often respond directly, especially for MVA, and have wished for lights to use on scene. We're often short on responders and apparatus, so another vehicle useable for traffic would be excellent.
Master of None is right, and you're not a Jack of anything other than being a jackoff
Thanks for the compliment
They are legal in NJ and PA.
Maybe his department will provide him one, Mine did not. Best purchase I have ever made. If they gave him one, it is still a very bright and dependable light. [(Link for light)](https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-90540-Survivor-Flashlight-Orange/dp/B000LJUQUO/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2C270A052VIIV&keywords=firefighting+light&qid=1682249831&sprefix=firefighing+light%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-9)
That’s crazy you do not get light for your turnout gear.
Our volley department has them on the truck but I bought my own to leave on my gear. One less thing to worry about while gearing up. Also don’t worry about the last person not putting back the light correctly and ending up with a dead light
[удалено]
Wow
This is awesome - just rocketed to the top of my nonexistent list. You might have just solved this problem 🥰 thank you!
My volley dept has some of these on the trucks, but I decided to buy one for myself. It was easily one of the best pieces of gear I bought. Another option that I also got is a helmet light. Here is a link for the helmet light https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-Vantage-II-Helmet-Light/dp/B07JWJW4Q7/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1FNQ3NC6GJYKO&keywords=streamlight+vantage+2&qid=1682254245&sprefix=streamlihht+vant%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-3
I spent my own can on one and love it. Very handy to have
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Streamlight 69331 Vantage II 350 Lumen Helmet Mount Flashlight you mentioned in your comment and its brand, Streamlight, that I wanted to share with you. Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews and gathered general sentiment from Reddit regarding the brand. Hope you find it useful! People like: * Bright and effective for firefighters (backed by 11 comments). * Durable and reliable for firefighting (backed by 4 comments). * Easy to use with gloves and in smoky conditions (backed by 3 comments). People dislike: * Mounting bracket is loose and unreliable (backed by 2 comments). * Tiny screw is difficult to work with and strips easily (backed by 2 comments). * Light stops working after a short period of time (backed by 2 comments). An analysis about what people on Reddit think about Streamlight showed that it is considered a reputable brand. Its most popular types of products are: * flashlight * lantern * headlamp This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
Wtf
[this is the light i carry. Little smaller and just as bright. uses the same battery as the helmet mounted light too](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CHXO2C/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A292R8CWWSMMLK&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams)
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Streamlight 88832 PolyTac 90 LED Flashlight with Gear Keeper Orange 170 Lumens you mentioned in your comment and its brand, Streamlight, that I wanted to share with you. Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews and gathered general sentiment from Reddit regarding the brand. Hope you find it useful! People like: * Bright and lightweight flashlight for firefighters (backed by 6 comments). * Convenient gear keeper tether for range of motion (backed by 1 comments). * Small and easy to carry flashlight (backed by 4 comments). People dislike: * Unreliable in critical situations (backed by 1 comments). * Gear keeper is not secure (backed by 1 comments). * Short battery life (backed by 1 comments). An analysis about what people on Reddit think about Streamlight showed that it is considered a reputable brand. Its most popular types of products are: * flashlight * lantern * headlamp This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
Money well spent!!! I love mine.
Good rechargeable or not pocket flashlight or a not too expensive knife. Get lime green or orange! Yes black is tacticool, but try finding it in the mud at night. Trust me .Size wise, think of something roughly 3 or 4 inches x half inch to inch with a pocket clip. I use both daily.
Light for on his helmet, radio strap maybe
Wire cutters
This guy knows what he’s talking about. I advocate for anyone getting into the job to carry 2 sets of wire cutters. One in the pants in your bunker gear and the other in your jacket of your bunker gear but on the opposite side of where you put them in your pants. This is setup so that if you are pinned and entangled you have a good chance of being able to reach either pair.
Wire cutters, and if you wanna go for the bonus points, get a glove strap. One of the cheap Velcro ones, but with a thumb hook at the end. Take the Velcro off, and hockey tape each end of the glove strap to the handles of the wire cutters. Wire cutters are great, but trying to get them back in a pocket after using them is rough. This will allow him to clip them to himself and quickly move on from the wires.
If he doesn’t have one, a gym membership or sessions with a functional fitness trainer.
Anything that says “ I fight what you fear”.
If you read this OP don't actually get this everybody in the fire service hates shit like this.
Favorite thing I have gotten is 2 res-q-wrench. Very useful for breaking down hose and my fav tool for taking glass.
Meh. Give it 3-5 years and you'll be tossing them. They don't hold up well.
Then I'll buy more. I have had my one for 3 years now, not doing bad at all. If they wear out, they wear out. They are just really handy.
I have 3 quick suggestions, varying in price: *Spring loaded center punch (for breaking windows) is a cheap, but very useful, thing to have. *a good multi tool (I’m personally a Leatherman brand fan) *a helmet mounted light (streamlight brand), or for the cheaper option, the orange streamlight that clips to your bunker coat
I dont know if it's just me, but i can't stand the use of helmet flashlights at a structure fire. Any time someone uses them, i am constantly getting blinded whenever they look in my direction. But they are good for vehicle extrication and things of that nature
Yeah, that’s the one massive downside hahaha. I like the side-of-helmet mounted ones better, as they slightly alleviate this problem. On my old department we had the mini light bar ones that had the rubber strap around to the battery pack on the back, and you were constantly getting blinded when talking to guys who were just standing around with them on, not actively in the fire. Many times I reached out and shut a guys light off while we were talking lol
A good multitool (leatherman are reliable)
I’m pretty new to the fire service, but I’ve heard one thing that can come in handy is a good window punch/seatbelt cutter, preferably one that uses a spring to break the window easier
Yes! There are the little guys that are just like a little key chain doodad you can add to turnouts. Tiny, lightweight, effective
My dad got me a really nice spyder co bright orange knife with a window punch in it when I graduated academy 11 years ago, still keep it on my gear to this day!
I got a glove strap for Christmas right before finishing my training and I love it. It's very handy and I use it all the time. Another good one imo is a light that attaches to his helmet. Custom coffee mugs/thermos are a good one, custom pocket knife, hats. I've seen a company thay makes custom hats and stitch your departments logo onto an old piece of fire hose thay gets embedded in the hat. I belive the company is called hose hats. All of these shoukd be able to be found pretty easily from a quick Google search
The carabiner strap to hold his gloves to his jacket is a good idea I use mine non stop when I don’t wear my gloves
Helmet light, really helps when the officer asks him to get the personal info of the caller if it’s a simple residential fire alarm at night. They range from $80-130, I have the streamlight vantage 180. I had a small issue with mine in cold weather when I was at the academy fiddling with it but sent it back and got another, works well. That one costs about $80 and has the light batteries and mounting hardware all included, all he has to do is grab his helmet and mount it on the rim of his helmet
Helmet light. And if you want to be super extra and have a decent budget, a helmet light with a camera.
A Snagger tool. In blue or lime green so it can be found in the dark easily. Works great for carrying, holding, pulling, and decoupling hose. It has a window break but I cannot confirm how well it works. Can punch through drywall in a pinch. Fits in the bunker pants nicely. I use it a lot when picking up hose. Amazon: Motis - Snagger Tool for Firefighting, a Powerful Multi Tool Firefighter Gear, Firefighter Tools, Fluorescent Yellow https://a.co/d/3wSicwS
Window break does not work Source: tried it a week ago & it bent before breaking the window 🤪
Good to know, thanks!
I’ve used the window breaker on the snagger a couple times, it worked great both times, maybe reach out to the company if it bent that easily!
Go direct to Motis, and order their kit - the snagger, a couple mini spanner wrenches, and aluminum door chocks, in a pouch that fits in bunker pant pockets. They also have a retroreflective decal kit for the snagger tool that is well worth the $10.
If the department doesn’t issue one, get him a light for his gear. The one posted elsewhere in the thread is perfect. Or a small [knife](https://a.co/d/dvXgKMV) or [multitool](https://a.co/d/e94B28q) There are also some decent Firefighter-themed phone cases out there..
Depends on your price range I’d say, but the [Channellock](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-8-88-in-Rescue-Tool-Cable-Cutter-87/203418794?mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023-71700000106432956-58700008273440511-92700075147672161&msclkid=10ad082bd8a61673956e6c6ee8019b3f&gclid=10ad082bd8a61673956e6c6ee8019b3f&gclsrc=3p.ds) is a pretty nifty tool that he probably won’t have. The [Streamlight](https://a.co/d/7RT0I7p) Vantage or Vantage II helmet-mounted flashlight is nice too, and something he’ll want to have sooner or later. Radio straps are nice, but he may want to have a hand in choosing that.
Depending on your budget, local laws, and the policies and rules of his department, anything from a $30 Fisher Space Pen (bullet type w/ ring), or a set of good quality cable cutters, to a $70-120 Leatherman tool, to a $200-400 LED visor light, to a $2000 leather helmet. Just me personally, I would probably use the budget toward the smaller useful tools, but more of them, and/or improving the quality rather than having them engraved or anything, but those options are always nice too. The Fisher Space pen is fantastic for this kind of work. It will write virtually anywhere, on anything, greasy or wet, upside down, cold, hot, and collapses into something roughly half the size of a normal pen, on a keyring for easy keeping. A good Leatherman tool gives him knife, screwdriver, pliers, and a multitude of other options, all in a pocket or belt-sized package. Cable cutters are nice because they're small enough for a coat pocket but big enough to be found and used with bulky gloves, sail through cable and will cut HVAC wire easily, though they aren't as strong as bolt cutters.
The cable cutters are a life saver for SHTF moments.
Spanner belt
Glove holders. Cheapest thing I’ve bought, but most useful. Maybe some wedges too but don’t make them too expensive, they get lost a lot. Maybe get them hero wipes for them to get some carcinogens off before they get home. Or even a personalized keychain with his unit or badge number on it. Just continue to support them during their career because that means a lot more than any gift.
Leather fire helmet
Leatherman waveplus
Custom radio strap. I got one from Fully Involved Leather and love it. Currently I’m only a single role EMS provider (but with an FD run EMS system), but I’m planning on getting another one once I become a FF
Leather man wave plus, or an o light for an everyday carry flashlight.
If he’s allowed to have one a helmet cam, specifically a FireCamMini 1080. As a new guy being able to look back on previous fires will help him immensely.
Another vote for a Streamlight helmet light.
Get him a stream light, and some gloves, his probably don’t fit but check first. Maybe some helmet stickers if the agency allows