In many ways, James Love is a typical Dad.  He is the father of two active boys: James, 3, and Ryan, 17 months.  His favorite thing to do is have the family snuggle together on the couch to watch TV.  “It’s that sense of family, of togetherness, that I enjoy,” he says.
When not on daddy duty, James is a nine-year veteran of the Orlando Fire Department, serving the city as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He has followed in the footsteps of his father, a 33-year veteran on the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue team.  But it doesn’t end there…  His maternal grandfather is a retired chief of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and his uncle is a firefighter as well.  “I guess you could say it’s in my blood,” James comments.  “That happens a lot in the fire service; it becomes a proud family tradition.”
Following the ten-year search for and recent elimination of terrorist Osama Bin Laden, James is pensive about his role as a first responder.  He vividly recalls 9-11 and the Twin Towers crumbling to the ground.  He thinks of the firefighters’ mantra:  Risk much to save much.  “The risk they [the New York City firefighters] took is what every firefighter signs up for from day-one. In turn, their families take on an element of that risk. This is one of the reasons the fire service is such a close knit group. We take care of our fallen brothers’ or sisters’ families,” James says. “We know they would do the same for us.”
Admittedly, the job of a firefighter is a dangerous one, but as James states, it’s not a constant worry.  “By relying on your training, your instincts, your experience, and the competence and trust of your fellow firefighters, you feel there is no situation that can’t be handled safely. Obviously, that’s not always the case, but if you’re thinking about your children and how you’re risking your life, then you won’t be thinking clearly during the dangerous task at hand,” he says.
Along with being on the frontlines fighting fires, James is also an entrepreneur.  Just over three years ago, he started Black Helmet Apparel, a business he runs from home.  With the slogan “Clothing that firefighters love,” the company specializes in apparel created by firefighters for firefighters – although the edgy designs have a broader appeal.  The company offers mostly T-shirts and polos, but there are also women’s tanks and tees, clothing for children, and accessories such as hats and patches. The name Black Helmet Apparel comes from the fact that firefighters have traditionally worn black helmets.
The love that underscores the apparel line is also evident by the company’s desire to give back to the community.  “We are committed to supporting the firefighter community and we contribute a portion of all profits to not-for-profit charities and foundations,” James reports. Some of the beneficiaries of Black Helmet Apparel profits include the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Leary Firefighters Foundation, and St. Baldricks Foundation for Childhood Cancer.
James launched Black Helmet Apparel at the urging of fellow firefighters who were impressed with his design work and urged him to market his t-shirt creations.  Reluctant at first, James began thinking of the possibilities. With the support and encouragement of his wife, Victoria, James decided to take the idea and run with it. Family members assist in the operation.  James does 95 percent of the design work and his brother-in-law pitches in as needed.  Victoria, now a stay-at-home mom, is a former head of shipping and inventory – skills that come in handy for Black Helmet Apparel.  She also assists with product photo shoots and at the company booth at conferences.
Victoria is always glad to lend James a hand.  “I am so proud of James as a firefighter, a company leader, a husband, and a father,” she notes.  “He excels in all four roles.”
James says he was jubilant when he became a father, but really didn’t know what to expect.  His own father set the standard for his parenting skills. “My best memories from childhood are of my Dad picking me up after I had failed or fallen. He always offered encouragement and love.”
The demands of a firefighter are numerous, but James says the erratic schedule actually works well for him.  “Being a firefighter, I work 24 hours on, 48 hours off.  My schedule allows me a lot of time to be with my family.”  Despite his work as a firefighter and shrewd businessman, James says his most important job is that of Dad.  “At the end of the day, it’s who I am.”
And with Father’s Day coming up this month, Orlando Family magazine couldn’t agree more.  James Love is the epitome of a great Dad.  When asked what he wishes for his kids, he answers as most fabulous fathers would:  “As children, I want them to be well behaved, polite and intelligent.  As adults, I want them to achieve their goals and live long, happy lives.”
Does James have anything special planned for Father’s Day?  “I don’t think so – just relax with the family.  I’ll see what the wife has planned.”  And knowing Victoria, whatever she has planned will be something special.  Happy Father’s Day to this community hero, as well as to the thousands of remarkable Dads in our community.
Learn more about Black Helmet Apparel at www.blackhelmetapparel.com