The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society has purchased an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy to cover all current members......

The FOOLS International proudly announces a joint effort between St. Baldrick's Foundation and Hero To Hero.US

Steps for Establishing and Maintaining Your FOOLS Chapter Web Site

Step 3 – Linking the Domain Name with Your Hosting Company

Part three of this series brings us to a cross roads. By now you have a domain name, www.yoursitename.com, and your server space acquired. In this article I will cover the basics of getting the two items to work in synchronization.

If you just completed either one of the purchase it may take up to 24 to 36 hours for the information to propagate. Once we complete the changes we are about to guide you through it may take another 24 hours to be available. So keep this in mind that this is by no means and instant process.

A dedicated member of the Northern Ohio FOOLS was laid to rest Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2010.

Royal Chisholm, 58, a captain with the Fairfield, Ohio, Fire Department was at work with the Huron County maintenance department on Friday, Apr. 23, when he complained of mild chest pains. A co-worker took him to the hospital and after approximately 30 minutes in the Emergency Room, he died....

Steps for Establishing and Maintaining Your FOOLS Chapter Web Site

Step 2 – Hosting Company

In Step two of this series you'll be guided through the process of selecting and setting up your hosting company for your new FOOLS chapter web site. By definition, a hosting company is a company that sells space on their server to store your web site for the public to view.

Eric J. Hankins, vice president of the Fraternal Order of the Leatherheads Society, member of the NorCal FOOLS chapter, and a captain in the Yuba City, Calif., fire department, was named the recipient of the 2010 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award for his heroic actions that saved the lives of two young children last year....

Please don't forget that the FOOLS International has pledged its support to two VERY worthwhile charities.

Please see the following letter to the Membership.

Happy Holidays Brothers and Sisters

It's amazing how long a year can look on a calendar, but time sure does fly by. Here we are in September, and soon the holidays will be upon us. Sooner than you would expect, we will be knee deep in 2010. Now is the time to start planning for the upcoming year. Many chapters should take this time to “Clean house” and prep for another exciting year. By doing this now, creates an easy start in January and sets the stage for your chapter. Let's look at ways we can “Clean house” to make 2010 even better than 2009.

One of the first things we need to make sure is that your membership rosters are correct as well as up to date. Making sure that correct/current spelling of names, addresses and emails are present as well as chapter rosters mimicking Internationals rosters makes January easier for all of us. This is to ensure that proper dues are assessed as well as all members are covered with our AD&D insurance policy.

 On July 18th, FOOLS AS ONE hosted our first annual Big Dog Fat Cat Festival fundraiser.  This was a joint venture to raise funds for our chapter and help out the local humane society.  Events for the day included an amateur Battle of the Bands, BBQ cook-off, Car Show and market area.  With a few thousand spectatorsin attendance and over $15,000 up for grabs in prizes......

Up until a few short weeks ago I thought I knew what the FOOLS were all about. An Organization that pulls together members from departments in a certain geographic area to spend time together, train hard and play equally as hard. After experiencing my first ever convention my opinion has been altered slightly......

July 2009 Executive Report

Well, if you missed this year's convention, you did miss out on one hell of an event. The brothers and sisters of the New England FOOLS, Southern New England FOOLS and the Central Mass FOOLS really put together a phenomenal convention full of great training, captivating guest speakers and great times. Again thank you Rusty Ricker, Adam Bean, Rob Cembor and your members for all of your hard work......

YORK, Maine — On June 27, FOOLS members from all over the country gathered for the last time here to celebrate the end of another outstanding annual Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society annual convention. Rusty Ricker, President of the New England FOOLS chapter, opened the evening's ceremonies by thanking all those who attended and especially those who worked extra hard putting this convention together. As with all conventions, Founding FOOLS John "Bart" Simpson led the membership gathered together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the "Ritual of the Can.”

 

YORK, Maine — The FOOLs came to town in an atmosphere of good will and brotherhood Thursday, as an estimated dozen bagpipers wearing kilts and fire

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Convention Pipes and Drums play during the opening ceremonies of the FOOLs convention Thursday at Ellis Park in York, Maine. Photo by: Scott Yates/syates@seacoastonline.com

helmets marched across Ocean Avenue to open the annual convention. The opening ceremony was held in Ellis Park, on the grass next to the beach and ocean. The waning sun shone clear and the surf pounded as a moment of silence was held to honor fallen firefighters. The New England FOOLs Bagpipers then played "Amazing Grace."

"We're a family together," said P.J. Johnson, captain with the Kittery Fire Department.

On Sunday, June 14th, the Front Range Fools were honored to host Brother Kevin O'Keefe of the Puget Sound Fools and the Fools International Kegman. Brother O'Keefe is making his journey across the country escorting the Kegman to Maine for the 2009 Fools Convention.

On behalf of the e-Board and the entire FOOLS membership, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Trzeczpaz, who died on May 29th from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on May 23rd...... 

Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

The kick off for FOOLS Convention 2009 in York Beach, Maine is rapidly approaching. The Tri-Chapter effort by New England FOOLS, Central Mass FOOLS and Southern New England FOOLS will make this year's convention an epic event.

Convention 2009 has something for everyone. From a relaxing few days on the scenic coast of Maine, or enjoying some great excursions, to participating in World Class Hand's On Training and Training Forums by Chief Mike McNamee of the Worcester FD, Chief Billy Goldfeder and more; but most of all the opportunity to meet and network with other FOOLS who share the same pride, values and ownership for the fire service that both you and I do........

Brothers and Sisters,

There has been quite a bit of dialogue regarding Ray McCormack's speech at FDIC this year as well as the removal of said speech from Fire Engineering's website. I am submitting this video (with permission) from Bobby Halton in the hopes that it will explain why the video was removed.

Fools International is now offering $4000 dollars worth of accidental death and dismemberment coverage to all of our members that are in GOOD STANDING with NO cost to the members....

On Friday March 27^th and Saturday, March 28^th, the New Jersey FOOLS conducted a Hands-On weekend, which attracted 80 students for the Friday evening lecture and 62 students for the Saturday Hands-On.

The “One Ambition Tour” Hands-On weekend was opened on Friday evening with Founding FOOL – John “Bart” Simpson and NJ FOOL Aaron Heller leading the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. NJ FOOLS Chapter President Bill Hopson then welcomed everyone and thanked Chief Mark Antozzeski and the members of the Groveville Fire Department for their hospitality and assistance with making the weekend possible.

“Globe Manufacturing to provide loaner gear for attendees traveling from afar”

The FOOLS Convention 2009 committee fully understands these difficult economic times and the excessive fees of checking extra bags aboard most domestic airline flights. Don't let your travel plans and the burden of associated travel costs keep you from participating in the dynamic HOT programs being offered at this year's convention