To say that the firefighters aren't allowed to wear their leather helmets isn't completely accurate. I think he city decided some time ago, not sure how long ago, that all firefighters would have their gear (helmets included) replaced after 10 years of use. The members were given the option to keep their leathers but had to pay the city something like $100 to continue using them. I'm sure there were members that absolutely wouldn't give them up, as well as some that absolutely refused to pay money to wear a helmet and reluctantly made the switch.
There is also a significant price difference between Ben2's and leathers and any city bean counters are going to opt to go with the cheaper helmets. Most of the Firemen from the era of all leather helmets have long since retired or may not be front line anymore so the guys coming in from that point forward (which is probably the majority of the front line firemen by now) were issued the Ben2's right from the start.
If anyone visits NYCFire.net you'll see plenty of leathers still in the fire ground pictures.
There is also a significant price difference between Ben2's and leathers and any city bean counters are going to opt to go with the cheaper helmets. Most of the Firemen from the era of all leather helmets have long since retired or may not be front line anymore so the guys coming in from that point forward (which is probably the majority of the front line firemen by now) were issued the Ben2's right from the start.
If anyone visits NYCFire.net you'll see plenty of leathers still in the fire ground pictures.
Facebook
Google
Reddit
Twitter