CONVENTION
IS APPROACHING FAST!
In
case you have'nt heard this years FOOLS convention is being
co-hosted by the Central Mass. FOOLS along with the New
England FOOLS and Southern New England FOOLS chapters and
will be held from June 24 through June 28 in the resort
community of York Beach, Maine. We have been working tirelessly
to put together what we expect to be a most defining event
in the FOOLS International History. For more infromation
on what's planned for the week go to http://foolsinternational.com/events/2008_Fools_Convention.shtml.
Get your registrations in now! Send any questions regarding
the convention to fio@centralmassfools.com.
The
Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) is an organization
that was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firemen.
This group, known today as the Founding Fools, had a passion
for not only the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged
between firefighters, but the rich tradition and heritage
of the Fire Service. Since 1995, this brotherhood has grown
to over seven thousand strong. There are chapters all over
the world, with new chapters starting almost every day.
The Leatherhead is a term used for a firefighter who uses
the leather helmet for protection from the hazards we face
everyday on the streets. The Leather Helmet, is an international
sign of a Firefighter, a symbol that is significant in not
only tradition from the early years of firefighting, but
one of bravery, integrity, honor and pride. The helmet is
a sign of who we are, not what we are.
The
FOOLS, like the traditional leather helmet, has always existed
throughout the brotherhood of the Fire Service, and will
continue to grow and flourish as long as there are fires
to fight and emergencies to respond to. The FOOLS are about
the brotherhood and tradition that the fire service is based
on. When we are in our gear, and trying to make our way
down the dark Smokey hallway, we are all the same. All that
matters is that you have my back, and I have yours. We do
not care if you are a chief, a recruit, a volunteer or a
career firefighter, a male, a female or the color of your
skin. All we ask is that you are true to your brother and
sister firefighter, and to the fire service. All firefighters
are welcome to be a part of this great organization; one
does not have to own a leather helmet to be considered a
"Leatherhead". Our membership is growing everyday,
and we encourage you to start a FOOLS chapter in your department.
The
FOOLS are not a political organization. We will not be involved
in union, management, or any other political issue. We are
about preserving the tradition and heritage of the fire
service and taking care of our brother and sister firefighters.
We have been involved with fundraisers, charity events,
and helping disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas.
We believe that this part of what being a member of the
FOOLS is all about. The FOOLS also believe in providing
real fire training for real firefighters. We believe that
it is our duty to be as well trained as we possibly can.
This can only keep us, and our brothers and sisters safe
on the fire ground. We owe it to ourselves, our brothers
and sisters, their families, and to the citizens we protect.
We believe in Pride: In our departments, in our stations,
in our apparatus, and pride in ourselves.
FTM
- PTB