History::
The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads
Society was founded 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.
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. This helmet is a sign of who
we are, not what we are.
The FOOLS,
like the traditional leather helmet, has
always existed through the brotherhood and
tradition of the Fire Service, and will continue
to grow and flourish as long as there are
fires to fight and emergencies to respond
to. 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". The only qualification
is that you are true to your profession and
true to your Brother and Sister firefighters.
Our membership is growing everyday, and we
encourage you to start a FOOLS chapter in your
department.
One last thing that we as the
Founding Fools ask of each and every one of
you. Let us never, ever forget those of us
that have gone before us in the line of duty.
Because those brave souls have given all, it
is up to us to always keep them alive in our
hearts and our memories. Long live the FOOLS,
Leather Forever.
HONOR
TRADITION CAMRADERIE COURAGE BROTHERHOOD |
FTM
- F*%# The Mutts
PTB - Protect The Brothers
EGH - Everyone Goes Home
RFB - Remember Fallen Brothers
KTF- Keep the faith
DTRT- Do The Right Thing |
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FTM-PTB "FOR THE MEN- PROTECT
THE BROTHERS"
We are an ever growing society; as we grow so do our ideals and our prospective. FTM, in the beginning, meant a lot to a lot of people. It go us where we are today. However, with the prosperity, comes responsibility. It is for that reason that we decided to change FTM to "For the Men" which we believe says the same thing, just expressed in a more appropriate tone.
EGH- "EVERYBODY
GOES HOME"
( 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".
RFB- "REMEMBER
FALLEN BROTHERS"
(Michael Ciampo, LT. 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."
KTF- Keep
the faith
(James L. Jester- Captain Ocean City)
"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!"
DTRT-
Do The Right Thing
( Bob Pressler's. Lt. Ret. FDNY)
"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."
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