Welcome to the Front Bumper.

Where Firehouse Identity Meets Custom Branding

The Front Bumper is built for crews, departments, and small businesses who take their branding seriously. We cover everything from custom leather patch hat strategies to firehouse-ready merch that gets noticedβ€”and gets worn.

Whether you're a fire station looking to unify your crew or a brand looking to stand out, you'll find real-world insights on product quality, B2B partnerships, and how to create gear that actually sells. No filler. Just proven ways to turn logos into legacy.

The Front Bumper

Leather firefighter helmet shield with black and gold 28 Charlotte design handcrafted by Little River Customs.

Metal vs Leather Fire Helmet Shields Comparison...

This guide breaks down the key differences between metal and leather fire helmet shields. Including tradition, durability, customization, and cost. To help firefighters choose the right option for their gear.

Metal vs Leather Fire Helmet Shields Comparison...

This guide breaks down the key differences between metal and leather fire helmet shields. Including tradition, durability, customization, and cost. To help firefighters choose the right option for their gear.

Custom helmet shield example showing hand tooled beveling.

What Beveling Means for Your Custom Leather Fir...

Not all firefighter shields are created equal. The difference between a beveled and non-beveled shield goes deeper than looks β€” it’s a matter of craftsmanship, time, and pride. This post...

What Beveling Means for Your Custom Leather Fir...

Not all firefighter shields are created equal. The difference between a beveled and non-beveled shield goes deeper than looks β€” it’s a matter of craftsmanship, time, and pride. This post...

Classic Custom Helmet Shield

Which Custom Helmet Shield Is Right for You

Choosing the right custom helmet shield comes down to purpose, pride, and performance. This guide breaks down every shield we build β€” from the Bare Bones starter to the fully...

Which Custom Helmet Shield Is Right for You

Choosing the right custom helmet shield comes down to purpose, pride, and performance. This guide breaks down every shield we build β€” from the Bare Bones starter to the fully...

Custom helmet shield made from full grain leather hand painted by Little River Customs

Who Makes the Best Custom Helmet Shield? A Look...

When firefighters ask who makes the best custom helmet shield, the answer depends on style and craft. Taylor’s Tins delivers metal shields, while Little River Customs focuses on full-grain leather...

Who Makes the Best Custom Helmet Shield? A Look...

When firefighters ask who makes the best custom helmet shield, the answer depends on style and craft. Taylor’s Tins delivers metal shields, while Little River Customs focuses on full-grain leather...

A composite showing historical art and symbols related to the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross: What It Really Means to Fire...

The Maltese cross firefighter meaning goes back to the Knights of Malta, who faced fire in battle and turned the cross into a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and protection. Firefighters...

The Maltese Cross: What It Really Means to Fire...

The Maltese cross firefighter meaning goes back to the Knights of Malta, who faced fire in battle and turned the cross into a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and protection. Firefighters...

Historic leather firefighter helmet with visible wear and scuffs, representing the long-standing firefighter helmet tradition.

Why Firefighters Wear Leather: A Tradition That...

The leather firefighter helmet tradition has survived centuries of change in the fire service. From Henry Gratacap’s first leather helmets in the 1800s to today’s custom shields and helmets, leather...

Why Firefighters Wear Leather: A Tradition That...

The leather firefighter helmet tradition has survived centuries of change in the fire service. From Henry Gratacap’s first leather helmets in the 1800s to today’s custom shields and helmets, leather...