Appalachian Mountain F.O.O.L.S. Faternal Order of Leatherhead Society
We established our local chapter on May 13th 2014. We are a Brotherhood of Firefighters. The International FOOLS was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firefighters. Those firefighters are known to us as our Founding FOOLS. The Founding FOOLS had a passion for not only the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged be
tween firefighters, but the rich tradition and heritage of the Fire Service. Leatherhead is a term used in the fire service to represent our helmets. The helmets which we use everyday to protect us from fire, hazards and any other harm where and still are made of leather. The leather helmet is a world wide symbol used 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.
