The National Congress of French Firefighters in Le Mans, France, is set to showcase MSA Safety, Inc.'s expertise in fire protection solutions. Highlighted at the event will be the MSA GALLET® Fire Helmets and the cutting-edge MSA Connected Firefighter Platform, emphasizing MSA's commitment to enhancing firefighter safety and efficiency.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, the GALLET F1 series marks a significant evolution in fire helmet technology. Originally developed in partnership with the Paris Fire Brigade, the GALLET F1 introduced a revolutionary "jet-style" helmet that has set a precedent in firefighter protection, inspired by solutions to facial injuries sustained during interventions. Its unique design incorporates an ocular visor that can be adjusted for maximum protection against projectiles, radiant heat, electrical hazards, and high-speed particles.
Attendees will also see the multifaceted GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet, suitable for diverse scenarios, from water operations to wildland firefighting and urban search and rescue. Features include modular ear protection covers and an integrated ocular visor, tailored for use in water rescues and approved for motorized boat operations, offering versatility and enhanced safety for firefighters.
MSA's Connected Firefighter Platform promises to revolutionize PPE management with its suite of internet-connected technologies. This ecosystem, featuring the M1 SCBA, MSA HUB, and FireGrid cloud platform, enhances the management of protective gear and related data, improving both onsite and remote operations.
MSA Safety's M1 SCBA has recently been recognized as the top choice by the Union of Public Purchasing Groups (UGAP) in France for its pioneering responsible purchasing policies. Dave Howells, President of MSA International, stated, "Our mission is to help firefighters stay safe and accounted for, and we do that by designing protective equipment and connected solutions that help to elevate firefighter safety."
MSA's enduring impact in France is further highlighted by its production plant in Chatillon, honored with the Origin’Ain label for its economic contributions to the region. The facility produces GALLET helmets approved by the French Ministry of Interior for Civil Defense, reinforcing MSA’s dedication to protecting community firefighters.
Attendees of the 131st Congress can visit MSA at booth ROT-F14. For continuous updates, follow MSA Safety's online platforms or visit their website.
Firefighters throughout France face different challenges on the job daily and may need a variety of equipment to help keep them protected and safe.
From fire helmets to the latest connected technology, MSA Safety, Inc. has the expertise in fire safety solutions to help firefighters and fire brigades enhance efficiency and safety. This MSA Safety expertise will be on display this week at the National Congress of French Firefighters in Le Mans, France.
Latest generation of the F1 design
At the Congress, MSA Safety will be featuring its MSA GALLET® Fire Helmets and the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform. 2025 marks a significant milestone for the MSA GALLET line, as the GALLET F1 celebrates its 40th anniversary.
With decades of continuous innovation in fire helmet design and safety, GALLET F1XF serves as the latest generation of the F1 design.
Forefront of fire helmet innovation
Over the past 40 years, the GALLET F1 has been at the forefront of fire helmet innovation
Through the past 40 years, the GALLET F1 has been at the forefront of fire helmet innovation.
Developed in collaboration with the Paris Fire Brigade, the GALLET F1 revolutionized firefighter protection with the introduction of the first “jet-style” helmet.
This breakthrough came in response to a facial injury sustained during a fire intervention, sparking a bold new approach to helmet design focused on safety and functionality.
Introduction of full-face masks
By featuring an ocular visor, this unique and patented system enables the visor to be adjusted to the face to help avoid risk of projectiles.
With the F1 evolutions, and the introduction of full-face masks in the fire service, the gold and clear face shield helps to protect the face not only against radiant heat, but also against electrical risks, arc flashes and high-speed particles, due to its UV filter and design in polycarbonate materials.
GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet
In addition to this milestone, the MSA team will be highlighting the GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet
In addition to this milestone, the MSA team will be highlighting the GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet.
The GALLET F2XR rescue helmet is multi-purpose, including certified for water operations, and features innovative accessories, like an integrated ocular visor and modular ear protection covers, that are suitable for water rescue missions and approved for use on motorized boats.
It’s also recognized for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, and climbing, providing firefighters a versatile option that can help to enhance their safety during incidents.
Latest enhancements to MSA's Connected Firefighter Platform
Congress attendees can also experience the latest enhancements to MSA's Connected Firefighter Platform, an ecosystem of internet-connected technologies that help fire and rescue services better manage PPE and related data associated with use and maintenance.
The ecosystem includes the M1 SCBA, MSA’s modular breathing apparatus system; the MSA HUB, a wireless, cloud-connected gateway for on-scene and remote monitoring; and the FireGrid cloud platform solution.
MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA
MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA were recently ranked as the number one work of choice in UGAP
MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA were recently ranked as the number one manufacturer of choice in the Union of Public Purchasing Groups (UGAP) in France.
The pioneering public purchasing center in France, the group is a public industrial and commercial establishment (EPIC) that implements responsible purchasing policies and measurable corporate social responsibility operations.
Recognition of its regional economic contributions
“Our mission is to help firefighters stay safe and accounted for, and we do that by designing protective equipment and connected solutions that help to elevate firefighter safety,” said Dave Howells, President of MSA International.
Dave Howells adds, “We’re proud of our long legacy in France and the work our team does in supporting local industry and firefighters. Our manufacturing plant in Chatillon, where GALLET helmets are made, received the Origin’Ain label in recognition of its regional economic contributions, and our GALLET helmets are approved by the French Ministry of Interior for French Civil Defense, furthering our commitment to helping protect the firefighters who keep communities safe.”
For the 131st edition, MSA is in booth ROT-F14. Keep up-to-date with the latest National Congress of French Firefighters happenings by visiting the website or following MSA Safety's social media platforms.
