The GLO-JO® helmet band is a device that was designed and invented by a professional firefighter for firefighters. After conducting research relating to firefighter line-of duty deaths, we came to appreciate that disorientation and loss of direction are key factors contributing to injury and/or a firefighter’s fatality. One common scenario replays itself over and over; whereby a firefighter is unable to orientate, air becomes depleted while in a highly toxic smoke filled environment without the ability to escape. Although never being the direct cause of death; if not properly addressed, even with the use of current operating standards, the problem of disorientation offers a multitude of complications that can create a deadly combination of things to happen. This problem has both plagued and challenged the fire service for decades. The GLO-JO® helmet band intends to provide prevention and intervention to this problem through Enhanced Positional Awareness©.

The creator of the Glo-Jo® helmet band, Joe Gonzalez is a career firefighter in the State of New Jersey, located in the Oranges or “urban sprawl of Newark NJ”. As the founder of Creative Safety Concepts (CSC Group LLC), Joe has dedicated his energies to developing and manufacturing cost effective life safety technologies that will assist firefighters and rescue workers with being visible amongst each other during critical incidents involving low visibility. Joe’s efforts in developing his patented Glo-Jo® helmet band has spanned over half a decade, involving comprehensive research and development that ranges from the physiology of the optics of the human eye, to reviewing United States Military applications of various illumination technologies. Professional experience and personal commitment motivate CSC Group LLC to develop products that offer firefighters and rescue workers, the invaluable ability of enhanced visibility amongst members while operating in low visibility conditions. Some experiences that Joe draws from have not only impacted him on a personal level, but have also impacted the history of the fire service forever.

On September 11th 2001 and the fateful days thereafter which involved search and rescue efforts, Joe was part of a 5 man USAR team that was lead by FDNY Lieutenant James T. Cooney (now retired). This team acted as a support extension of FEMA search teams operating on the pile. Along with his team members, Joe searched on and off for 5 days; from September 12th 2001 0545hrs to Sunday September 16th 2001 0730hrs. During Joe’s time there, he vividly remembered making that “one-a-day phone call”, not sure if it was going to be the last time he was going to speak to his family. Joe accepted working in “areas of risk”, or unknown collapse hazards; as it was worth the gamble in hopes of locating survivors. After 5 days of search efforts, his team and others were called off the pile for heavy equipment and steal removal. On Sunday September 16th 2001 at 0730 hrs, Joe left the pile and headed back home to New Jersey. Still to this day Joe has not returned to the WTC site. Just as many, Joe left frustrated knowing he could not succeed in finding those he knew were lost. In the days, weeks, and months to come, Joe became aware of 3 colleagues and friends in the collapse; one of which was Joe’s Mentor and Professor from Seton Hall University, Inspector Anthony Infante Jr. of the Port Authority Police Department.

Joe realizes his sacrifice of time and effort barely measures in relationship to those who truly gave. Although his experience of frustration while involved at the WTC pile can be considered brief by some, it easily exists as a fresh memory that fuels his commitment to develop unique, effective, low cost technologies aimed to benefit members of the fire service.

Joe Gonzalez, CEO- CSC Group LLC

NJ State FF I & II

NJ State Certified EMT-B

Seton Hall University: BA, MA Ed