A Fitting Tribute
by Wendy Niles
When Steve O’Brien graduated from Oviedo High School, his future was unclear. He didn’t have a plan or know what he would do as a career. At the age of 19, Steve took a job working at an auto paint and body shop. He had no idea at the time how that one decision would shape his life or lead him to two careers and a special passion project that touches the lives of many.
During Steve’s early years at the shop, he often overheard stories about firefighting from his customers and friends. Intrigued, he enrolled in firefighting school at Seminole State College and knew right away that was what he was meant to do. He had found his place in life.
Steve, who lives in Sanford, would spend the next 20-plus years serving his community with the Lake Mary Fire Department. He also kept painting cars, opening his own auto paint and body shop in Sanford in 2006.
His aforementioned passion project combines key elements from both of his careers in a creative way: Steve custom paints firefighter helmets to show his appreciation to fellow firefighters for their service. Since 2014, he has painted more than 200 helmets for retiring firefighters and 13 helmets to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Recently, WESH-2 News recognized Steve as a CommUNITY Champion for his helmet project.
The idea for the painted helmets came to Steve after Craig Haun, a longtime fire chief in Lake Mary, who passed away. Steve wanted to create something for the Haun family that would be meaningful – a symbol of gratitude for Craig’s dedication to his career.
To Protect and Serve
That’s when inspiration struck. From firefighting school onward, the importance of the helmet is instilled in those who serve. The helmet is not only part of their protective gear but also of their identity. From rookie helmets, to ones covered with battle scars from fighting fires, to shiny new helmets that come with promotions – this particular piece of protective gear speaks volumes about who you are in the fire service.
Steve retired from the Lake Mary Fire Department in 2023, but his wife Tina O’Brien still works there as the senior fire inspector. Steve’s son Tyler is now following in his footsteps – he is currently in fire school at Seminole State.
Steve’s helmets, which are adorned with a beautiful American flag design, are his way of giving back to those who have devoted their lives to public service. He understands all too well the sacrifices involved with life as a firefighter, such as missed holidays, birthdays, and other family celebrations.
“It’s the least I can do to recognize the sacrifices they made,” says Steve.
Painting a helmet only takes him two days, and Steve uses the same kind of paint on the helmets that he uses on the cars in his shop.
While each fire service helmet Steve paints can be personalized to the recipient, all include the flag design with their name, rank, and years of service. If a special request is made for more intricate artwork, Steve enlists the help of a friend to paint those designs. The department, co-workers, or family members who request one of Steve’s creations provide the helmet.
“I’m not good with coming up with designs,” says Steve, whose painting skills are mostly self taught, “but if you tell me what you want, I can get it done.”
When asked which of the helmets has meant the most to him, Steve quickly replies, “The one I did for my dad.”
Steve’s father Edward, a resident of Winter Springs, is retired from the U.S. Army. Steve painted a tribute helmet for Edward to acknowledge him and all Vietnam War veterans who didn’t receive the proper thanks they deserved for their service.
When talking about his helmet project, Steve is extremely humble. He doesn’t have a website or social media to show off his work, nor does he do this for personal accolades. His intent is simply to show gratitude and bring joy or comfort to those receiving the helmets.
“Their reaction and smiles are what matter,” says Steve, adding that he intends to continue his passion project “as long as I’m alive and able to paint.”