About me: 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. One last thing that we as the Founding Fools ask of each and every one of you, let us never, ever forget those that have gone before us in the line of duty. Because those brave souls have given all, it is up to us to keep them alive in our hearts and our memories.
Who I'd like to meet: More FOOLS!!! FTM-PTB - "FORGET THE MUTT...PROTECT THE BROTHERS" A "Mutt" is someone or thing that will abuse and mistreat a Firefighter. This can be the City, the Mayor, the Chief in Charge, the habitual caller, or the homeless Person who starts a fire and leaves. These are people that have never crawled down a hall or made the last room in an effort to do their job. If they can't get the job done today well maybe next week will do. If we don't get the job done people might die and our brother and sister might also die. So we always lay it on the line and leave a little behind at every fire. I say that in a dark smoky hallway I can't tell the race, creed or sex of my fellow firefighter, I just know that they are with me. I don't care who or what you are as long as you are a firefighter and want to protect your brothers and sisters. Leather forever. Stay low and let it blow! FTM-PTB Captain Mike Dugan, Ladder Co. 123, FDNY EGH - "EVERYBODY GOES HOME" "Sulum reverto domus" Author unknown, possibly Old Gallagher "Although 'EGH, Everybody Goes Home' is not always possible, it is part of what we strive for. It is why we train, it is why we read, it is why we interact with each other. We need to share the knowledge. The more we share, the more we pass on what we have learned, the safer we will be. The fewer funerals we will have to go to, the more of our Brothers and Sisters that will go home. Because it is all about protecting each other". (Pressler, 2002 RFB - "REMEMBER FALLEN BROTHERS" "MEMOR CADO FRATER " Lieutenant Michael Ciampo, FDNY "The Fire service, as a whole, is collectively still trying to recover from the effects of Sept. 11. The 343 members of the FDNY who made the supreme sacrifice that day will always be in our hearts and forever on our minds. As part of our FOOL’s “signature”, R-F- B, “Remember Fallen Brothers”, these heroes should never and will never be forgotten. This should also include ALL of our fallen Brothers, no matter where they were from, or the matter in which they died. Their names have been added to long list of those that have laid down their lives so that others may live." (Pressler, 2002 KTF - "KEEP THE FAITH" "Servo fides" Captain James L. Jester, Ocean City, MD "Keep the Faith. With all that has happened we must believe. We must have faith in ourselves and in the others that think like us. They can transfer us, they can make you cut your mustache, the can tell you what you can’t wear on your helmet, but never let them break your spirit!" (Pressler, 2002) DTRT - "Do The Right Thing" "Operor Vox Res" Lieutenant Bob Pressler, FDNY, Retired "With everything going on in our lives, both personnel and professional, this may be sometimes hard to do. We are always pulled in several directions when there are tough decisions to be made. Even after weighting all the possibilities or options, decisions are sometimes still very hard to make. But, under closer examination, there usually is a “right thing”. It may take personnel sacrifice, it may not be what you really would want to do, but it is the correct thing to do." Brotherhood - Firefighter Duke Juanitas Eldridge Fire Dept. Sonoma, Ca. Bonds that even death can’t separate. Responding on all sorts of calls, some good and some bad. On every fire we trust each other with our lives. Trust, that if we fall on the fire ground our brothers will be there to rescue us. Humor is at every firehouse and is a big part of the job. Every firehouse you go to, you will see your brothers in every firefighter you meet. Remembering the pranks you have pulled on a “probie”. How great it is to have a home away from home. Off the job we are still family. Our families are close. Days, months, and even years will pass but don’t fret for we will meet again.
Lee County Smoke Eatin' FOOLS's Friend Space (Top 10)
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FDNY Announces the Deaths of Firefighters Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced on August 18 the deaths of Firefighters Joseph Graffagnino, 33, of Ladder Company 5, and Robert Beddia, 53, of Engine Company 24.
The firefighters were fatally injured while battling a seven-alarm high-rise fire at the former Deutsche Bank building at 130 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan.
The two firefighters became trapped in maze-like conditions on the 14th floor of the building, which is undergoing demolition. They suffered severe smoke inhalation and were taken to NY Downtown Hospital in cardiac arrest where they succumbed to their injuries.
More than 275 firefighters and 70 units responded to the seven-alarm fire, which was reported at 3:36 p.m. and was deemed under control at 10:40 p.m.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Department’s fire marshals.
Firefighter Graffagnino was an eight-year veteran of the FDNY, appointed on May 9, 1999. Firefighter Beddia was a 23-year veteran, appointed on October 24, 1983.
Firefighter Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddia are the 1,136th and 1,137th members of the New York City Fire Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the Department's 143-year history.
This is the second time this year the FDNY has suffered a line-of-duty tragedy. On June, 21, 2007, Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak of Ladder Company 146 died when he fell from the roof of a building in Brooklyn while battling an all-hands fire.
I think Jessie and I will be the first FOOLS to be married HA, your all jealous i can feel it !! The wedding is some time the end of this year, we decided that much... Just as long as its cool enough outside for a fire.
