The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (F.O.O.L.S.) is an organization that was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firemen. This group, known today as the Founding F.O.O.L.S., 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. There are now 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 every day 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 F.O.O.L.S., 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 F.O.O.L.S. 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.

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The F.O.O.L.S. 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 F.O.O.L.S. is all about.

The F.O.O.L.S. 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.

Official F.O.O.L.S. Toast

In the grips of death, we depend on our sisters & brothers, through smoke and fire we protect each other.
Our calling is clear we shall not wander, when protecting life it’s death before dishonor...
And here and now we raise our glass, a toast to the fallen heroes of the past.
Tradition, Brotherhood, Duty Forever, for this could be our last drink together!
Slainte!