Gondring at comment #17 pointed out some uses of helmet and insignia color that I was not aware of.
Firefighting is dangerous work and if helmet colors are used to signify ranks/responsibilities and/or different experience and skill levels, then I’d go with the chief on this one.
My problem is that he’s taken three years to complain about it. I’m wondering why all of a sudden it’s an issue? That smells to me. Who complained?