456. Peter Askey - Ricochet Mfg.

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Peter Askey, President of Ricochet Manufacturing, for an inside look at the company’s Philadelphia facility and the mission behind designing modern firefighter PPE.

Peter shares his unconventional journey—from aerospace engineering and private equity to leading a growing turnout gear manufacturer focused on protecting first responders. Ricochet began producing EMS and technical rescue gear before entering the structural turnout gear market in 2011, with a clear goal: build gear that prioritizes mobility, comfort, and firefighter-driven innovation.

The conversation explores how Ricochet works directly with firefighters to improve gear design—from eliminating outdated features like traditional throw tabs to engineering advanced mobility systems such as bi-swing backs and underarm gussets that allow firefighters to move freely while working. Peter also discusses the critical role of education in PPE selection, explaining how turnout gear performance depends heavily on fabric combinations, protection layers, and department-specific operational needs. Departments must balance mobility, durability, and protection when building gear specifications.

The episode also dives into Ricochet’s growth story—including winning a major U.S. Air Force contract supplying turnout gear to roughly 14,000 firefighters across the service, a milestone that forced the company to scale rapidly while maintaining quality and firefighter trust. Finally, the discussion turns to one of the most important issues facing the fire service today: PFAS in firefighter gear. Peter explains how the industry is transitioning to PFAS-free materials, the trade-offs involved, and Ricochet’s commitment to improving firefighter health while continuing to innovate.

This behind-the-scenes conversation highlights the craftsmanship, engineering, and firefighter feedback that drive the evolution of modern turnout gear—and the people dedicated to building it.