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

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

Sun Coast FOOLS Vice President and Longboat Key FD Chief Julius Halas has been selected to become the new Director of the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office.

Members of the Badgerland FOOLS in Dane County, WI respond to a two alarm fire at a local tavern.

On Saturday, February 21, 2009 the Central Maryland chapter of FOOLS International, hosted a training session at the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Training Academy in Rockville, MD. A total of 12 attendees from Hampton, VA, State College, PA and members of the Central Maryland FOOLS chapter listened and learned from five instructors, Captain Dave Polikoff, MFF Eric Fessenden, David Walsh, Nick Martin  and Lt Dave Angelo......

 

On March 29^th under sunny spring time conditions the Nor-Cal Fools held H.O.T day 7. Twenty-eight members of Nor-Cal Fools gathered at the Roseville Fire Department training center for a day of Engine Company Operations. Lead by members of Sacramento City and West Sacramento fire departments, student rotated though four different stations.