The Fire Helmet was introduced into the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) by it's first Chief Officer, Chief Officer J. D. Stein.

On a trip to Paris, France, Stein saw that the French firefighters had stylish, shiny, protective helmets as part of their regular uniform.

Stein found a manufacturer to craft the helmets, Merryweather & Sons of England. The MFB purchased helmets for all their firefighters.

After World War II it became difficult to import goods from England so an Australian company, Rider & Bell, started to manufacture the helmets.

The Fire Services Museum Victoria has English and Australian made helmets on display.