A Time and Place for Firefighter Dress Uniforms
Firefighters are very important people in the community. They are leaders who set standards of bravery and leadership for all other citizens. For public or special events firefighters are often required to wear dress uniforms rather than their everyday station or turnout gear. Dress uniforms have become an extremely important part of the public safety professional’s wardrobe.
The firefighter’s dress uniform is military in style with details that are specific to their personal ranking. The complete uniform includes a hat, formal looking blazer, shirt, tie, dress pants, and shoes. The individuals rank should be displayed on the sleeves of the jacket, and they may wear some additional medals or awards.
There are several occasions where a firefighter is required to wear a formal dress uniform. Community events such as parades, public speeches, scheduled news media conferences, award ceremonies, promotional ceremonies, and station grand openings are all proper times to be in dress clothes. Firefighter dress uniforms are also often worn out at funerals family, friends, or community members.
As with all of their attire, a firefighter must keep their dress uniform neat and pressed. Most dress uniforms are made with heavier materials like wool but also may be made of more comfortable, lightweight materials such as rayon or polyester. Blauer dress uniforms are easy clean, yet still offer high performance with a sharp, professional appearance. Dress uniforms are carefully detailed with pleats, front zipper closures, epaulets, and an internal badge strap. To accompany their dress uniform, firefighters will wear black, non-tactical dress boots or shoes.
The color of dress uniform garments will vary slightly across departments and ranks. The color of formal dress uniform hat depends on an officer’s rank. A double breasted jacket is worn over a blue or white shirt with military creases. Blue dress uniform shirts are worn by firefighters and driver operators, while white is for all higher rankings. Undershirts need to be plain white with no graphics or lettering. A black non-glossy tie tops off the uniform, which may be a clip on or traditional style. Officer style dress pants are worn with a black leather belt and the appropriate colored buckle, silver or gold according to rank. Plain black socks are matched to oxford style shoes that have a high gloss and remained tied at all times. The shirt, belt, and fly need to be in alignment. Silicone beading in the pants waist band will help keep shirts tucked in and staying straight.
The full firefighter dress uniform exhibits professionality and honor. While these uniforms are only worn during special occasions, they are an extremely important part of a firefighter’s wardrobe. No matter what uniform style a firefighter is wearing, they are highly respected by their communities.
