The new helmets may look like something Buzz Lightyear would wear, but are designed to help firefighters clearly communicate with each other while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus. Their other features include enhanced lighting and adjustable eye protection.

The helmets were made by MSA Australia and cost $7 million. 

Yass Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Captain Scott Lang said that sixteen new helmets were a great addition to the station's equipment. 

“It has really given us the increased protection around the head and is lightweight compared to the old helmets, which gives us much better weight distribution which means we can wear them for a lot longer,” he said. 

“The contemporary design includes high-vis, in built communication, lights and the two different visors for different scenarios.

“In-built radio communications equipment means that it will be easier for officers to hear each other at emergency scenes and to communicate about complex firefighting and rescue operations – this can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.”  

The helmets come after a uniform upgrade that was distributed two years ago.  

Fire fighters have to deal with life-threatening situations all the time and the Yass officers deserve the best protection money can buy.