MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — First responders in Minot have an idea that will clear out some of their clutter, as well as reward brave children in their community.

For the Minot Fire Department, training and equipment upgrades are constant. These updates mean that new helmets, coats and other emergency supplies are frequently brought in to replace older ones — but this often leaves the previous versions left in closets without future use.

“Once they get past 10 years,” MFD Senior Firefighter Chad Sickles explained, “those helmets need to be decommissioned.”

For some time, this problem was a difficult one to manage — but recently, Sickles had an idea to help spread cheer around town while solving this problem.

“I had a family friend that had a child that was going through some medical issues, and we decided to start a program,” said Sickles.

That idea became the basis for Helmets for Heroes: A program where the MFD will present deserving children with their own customized fire helmets.

“A shield for the front of the helmet that is going to have their name on it,” Sickles explained. “It’s going to say ‘Helmets for Heroes’. We’ve also got a decal for the bottom side of it that is like an American flag.”

Anyone interested in nominating a boy or girl to receive one of these helmets can discuss the topic with and receive an application from the Minot Fire Department — provided they have a story about what makes the child worthy of winning the award.

Sickles says examples of excellent hero candidates include children who may be going through a difficult time, or honored for doing something special around town.

“It is a great program,” stated MFD Probationary Firefighter Tyler Ghent. “We’re hoping to bring light to their day, and their life. Some positivity, hopefully a smile or two, and some inspiration to go along with that.”

“Hopefully,” Sickles added, “it will make their day a little better.”

Sickles says the program is just getting started, and that everyone involved is eager to find out who will receive the first helmet. However, he also adds that there is no shortage of helmets to give to special kids — and that he and his fellow firefighters don’t mind fanning the flames on this idea for as long as possible.

“We will always have a surplus of these helmets,” he concluded. “Hopefully, in the future, we’ll always have helmets for the program to be able to give out.”

Firefighters plan to award the helmets twice a year during Minot’s City Council meetings in late April and October.

If you know a child you’d like to nominate for one of these coveted caps, you can bring the nomination form to Minot Fire Station Number One on South 10th Street.

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