Fools International President’s Update

By: Eric DePoto President@foolsinternational.com General President FOOLS International

Jan 2009 Pres. Update

2008 came and went in a blink of an eye, and what can I say but hello 2009. I speak for the entire eboard when I say we sincerely hope everyone’s holidays over the last couple of months were special and time well spent with family and friends. Before we start looking at what the new year has in store for us lets recap what occurred in the last half of 2008.

We as an organization were presented with a new executive board. Some were from the old board, but most were handpicked by the founders to take on the task of running the organization and taking it to the next level. A higher level of professionalism, training and fitness were the three areas that I talked about when then new e-board took over, and these are the areas we will continue to concentrate on. We saw an increase in training across the board and have already heard of chapters putting events together for this year. We also put together a budget to prepare us for the annual chapter dues that are due between now and April. We finally allowed our Secretary/Treasurer and “Mother” of the organization Ellen, to do something she has wanted to do for a long time but we wouldn’t allow, she retired. Yes she is officially retired from work and the FOOLS, something she has wanted for a long time and finally decided to do it and actually live life and have fun with her hubby. Along with that, we brought on a great addition to the team out of Chicago, brother Rich Stack, who has taken Ellen’s position and ready for the task.

So that’s last year, what about now, well this month we start collecting annual dues. This is the first time we as an organization have done this. There are many reasons for this but in short, the money we have collected through the years is drying up and like I said, we are going to the next level to become the professional organization to be in and it does take capital to make it happen. We are revising the Articles of Association this month and will have them out for everyone soon. This is because of changes in which the organization is moving; again we’re going to the next level. We also just finalized a deal with brother Bobby Halton to have a meeting at the largest training venue in the country-FDIC. Yes that is correct, along with the brotherhood bash that is put on by our brothers the Indy-Metro FOOLS, we will be having a “Planning and Leadership” meeting during FDIC, and would love to see all of you there.

Starting a new year you may ask, what can we expect and look for from the FOOLS. Well, first we have St. Baldrick’s in March. This is one of our charity organizations and a great opportunity for each chapter to put their best foot forward and raise some money for kid’s cancer research. I would love to hear and see chapters across the world getting involved with this. You can do it as a chapter alone or get a bunch of chapters together for this great cause. We also have FDIC which is always the largest training venue in the country, definitely something you shouldn’t miss. We also have our Annual convention that is going to be held in Maine this year. After last year’s convention, I am so excited to see what is in store for this year’s convention. Along with that we will see training going on all over the country and want you to be a part of it. So now its 2009 and I ask you what are you going to do this year, sit on your butt or make it happen? You know the answer, so let’s get going!

Letter From Your Chapter President

Members,

      It’s already October, and it has been a very busy summer for most of our chapter members.  Most have been kept busy with work, volunteer time, kids, and even some lucky few have taken that well deserved break from it all, and went on a vacation.  This, as some of you have asked, is why we haven’t had a chapter membership meeting in a few months. 

      Although our chapter did not attend this year’s Fools Convention in Seattle, our chapter will be affected by what went on there.  For the first time, part of the convention was dedicated to hands-on training and by order of the Fools International Executive Board, this shall be the standard for all future conventions.  Many good things came out of this years’ convention.  The passing on of the ‘torch’ from the original Founding Fools to the new Executive Board; the mandate of hands-on training at future conventions; the establishment of a Health and Wellness component to our philosophy; the establishment of guidelines for local chapters, like ours, to become non-profit organizations; the re-establishment of friendships and the networking of new friends during that week.  The International has added a new position to our organization.  Captain Mike Dugan, L123 FDNY, has taken on the task of overseeing the Fools training program.  Mike will be responsible for all HOT training as well as the training content on the International’s web site.  This is a great addition to the International, and we look forward to working with Mike in the future.

      One item that will directly affect our chapter is the establishment of annual dues to be collected from each chapter paid to the International.  This idea has been in the works for almost two years to help offset the International’s operational costs.  The International was not being supported enough by the one-time membership fees of $10 per person for new applicants.  We will be paying these yearly dues to the International no later than January 1st of each year starting in 2009. 

      That brings me to my next topic.  Dues.  As all of you know, our chapter’s membership dues are only $20 per year and are due every April 1st.  We currently have approximately 100 members listed in our records, but only have 30 members who are up to date.  Some members, despite the April 1st deadline, finally paid their dues as late as last month.  I understand the hard economic times that our country is in, and I don’t know each member’s financial status.  If you are unable to pay your dues on time, that’s fine; contact me and let me know.  I keep everything, to that nature, 100% private.  We can work through your issue.  On that note, I have no choice but to drop those members who haven’t paid this year’s dues.  If you are dropped, you will still retain your status with Fools International, and will have the option to re-join at any time with a new application.  By doing this, we keep our chapter full of those firefighters who remain dedicated to what Fools stands for.  It will also determine how much our chapter has to pay to the International because the amount we owe is based on how many active members our chapter has.  Please pay your dues on time each year.  The money we collect from dues, and chapter events throughout the year, go directly back to you by offsetting money for training, trips, meetings, and our involvement with upcoming conventions.  The web site will be updated soon with a page dedicated to a list of current, active members.  Once published, please feel free to contact me if your name is not on the list.

      Meetings this year have been few and far between.  With everyone’s busy schedules it is very hard to hold meetings on days where everyone can attend.  I do remember, however, that we would pack the back room at O’Meara’s full when we first started.  I’m not sure if some of you lost interest, were upset that we don’t go to O’Meara’s anymore, or just don’t check your emails or the website.  The few meetings that we have held recently have only yielded between 3 and 7 people at the most.  Even the announcement of free beer at meetings didn’t bring anyone out.  We have tried to move meetings around within the different jurisdictions to make sure meetings were being held at various locations so more folks could attend.  The membership voted to do that.  The very first meeting after that only the usual crowd of members, mostly the EBoard, showed up.  All we ask from each member is that you attend at least a few meetings a year so we can keep things up and running.  If you are not at the meetings, then you miss out on your say in how we operate, where we spend our money, and more importantly how and when we conduct our training.  Please feel free to email me with any ideas you have to help make our meetings more convenient for you, the membership, to attend.  Please make every effort to attend the next few meetings.  We need to continue to show our pride at our meetings by bringing our lids.  We will be discussing how to make our chapter better, and how we can start being more involved within the International.  The website gets updated with meeting times and location.

      It was unfortunate that we had to cancel our Engine and Truck Company Operations training weekend back in April.  Due to an asbestos issue at the facility, we had no choice but to cancel by orders of the facility’s manager.  The facility is back open for us to use with a list of a few areas that are still off-limits.  The Brotherhood Bash that was held at Mackey’s Pub in Manassas went well despite the cancelling of the training.  A good time was had by all, including a lot of new faces.  Since then, however, there doesn’t seem to be much interest in chapter happenings lately.  We have made the decision to cancel our annual Saving Our Own training weekend due to lack of interest.  Last year we had an overwhelming showing of over forty firefighters from all over attend.  As I write this letter, only four people have signed up.  The members of your EBoard have made the decision to cut our losses and cancel yet another great opportunity to get together and train.  I would like to thank Brothers Kevin Franzello, Tony Carroll, John Bryant, Jared Goff, and Jeremy Pope for all of their ongoing hard work and dedication to our chapter’s training.  Again, if we as a chapter can do things differently, or hold better training, please let us know.  We have had members in the past raise their hands and volunteer for committees, but to be honest, I can’t seem to remember any of their names anymore.  Our chapter’s training is held for its members.  Some seem to think that we host training events to raise money and see how many out-of-area departments we can get to attend.  These training events, no matter how big or how small, are here for you; the membership.  Please try to get more involved with the training aspect of our chapter as well.  I recently talked with our International’s new President, firefighter Eric DePoto from Charlotte, North Carolina.  He is going to be in our area and was going to pay us a visit during our Saving Our Own weekend.  I had to contact him and let him know that it was cancelled.  He just recently returned from training out in Wichita where the Fools of OZ, Wheat State Fools, and the Mid-America Fools put on a two day event where there were over 300 participants.  I guess I’m a little disappointed that we only have 4 people interested in our two day event.

      We will be hosting another firefighter auction sometime this spring.  The committee decided that due to the hard economic times, holidays, and the potential for inclimate weather, that we will no longer hold the auction during the winter months.  Hopefully we will be able to raise some more money for the DC Firefighter Burn Foundation by moving it to April or May.  Please keep an eye out for more information on our web site.  Brother Dan Keyes has been working hard on this year’s auction and has even gone as far as creating a dedicated web site for our auction.  Thank you Brother Keyes for doing this; as well as your company’s donation to keep the site up and running.  If anyone is interested in helping with our upcoming firefighter auction, please contact Brother Dan Keyes.

     Well, we will be re-organizing our chapter over the next few months to hopefully give our great organization a new jump start into the New Year.  I have been in touch with the Central Maryland Fools recently who have expressed interest in working with each other when it comes to hosting upcoming training and events.  It is also my goal, as your chapter president, to see to it that we become much more involved with the International.  This includes sending a delegation of members to Maine to attend the 2009 Fools International Convention, to be hosted by our brothers from New England.  We will try to see what the chapter can pay for to minimize the cost to our members. 

     Please remember that we are here for each other, as well as to continue the traditions of the fire service through brotherhood and training.  Remember why you joined Fools?  If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  Stay safe.

 

Fraternally,

Keith Bresnahan

President

Northern Virginia Fools

FTM-PTB-RFB

Open Letter From Jersey Fools President

By: Bill Hobson teacher_ocfa@juno.com President Jersey FOOLS

 

 

10 Years Later…. Is your Chapter FOOLing the International?

At the completion of the initial decade for F.O.O.L.S. International, the movement which has become the F.O.O.L.S. has morphed from a collection of thoughts from five individuals, into a world wide organization which now encompasses more than 200 Chapters. Few, if any of the Founding Members, foresaw the organization we are privileged to be part of.  From its humble beginnings – to now, the creation of the F.O.O.L.S. has not only expanded the “Voice of the Brotherhood” but has perhaps, more importantly, strengthened the BOND by which true F.O.O.L.S. and their Chapters, exhibit today. Thus, 10 years later, it is only fair to ask if your Chapter still has True F.O.O.L.S. or has your Chapter morphed into the an organization which is FOOLing the International?  In a span of a single decade, the entire F.O.O.L.S. nation has witnessed incredible growth in new Chapters and an outright explosion in its total membership. What was originally intended for single Fire Departments to gather like minded members, the F.O.O.L.S. movement has united States, galvanized the cry for better training and has harnessed the passion, dedication and desire so many of us true F.O.O.L.S. believe.   While the growth of the Chapters has been a boom to the overall F.O.O.L.S. movement, the explosion of the entire International membership has come with a price. That price was the unintended inability for the Founding Members to firmly cement the Chapter charter process and to formulate a universal status for admitting Chapter members. In the beginning, it seemed as if all of the “good guys” either formed Chapters or became members of a local Chapter. In the beginning, it seemed all of the Chapters looked to the Founding Members as the Executive Board for the Brotherhood. In the beginning, it seemed ALL of the Chapters understood THEY served the International. In the beginning, it seemed the F.O.O.L.S. could have influence in where we were trained, how we were trained and why we should continue to train.   In the beginning, the growth of the F.O.O.L.S. seemed only matched by the enthusiasm for the F.O.O.L.S. In the beginning, it was RARE to find a Chapter who did not believe in an “all for one and the one is the International”.   Suddenly, before the F.O.O.L.S. were five years old, an International Convention was born. D.T.R.T. became part of the F.O.O.L.S. lexicon and Psalm trees and RV’s everywhere were under siege.  Suddenly, before the end of the first F.O.O.L.S. decade, something changed.  Perhaps the now noticeable change gained its roots during a very trying two year period where the character, integrity and allegiance of some of the earliest and most loyal F.O.O.L.S. members was called into question. Few Chapters, if any, want to re-visit that section of the International Guestbook. It seemed, for a time, individual Chapters (more importantly the International) witnessed the betrayal of supposed “loyal members” and watched as dedicated, passionate, F.O.O.L.S. members got crushed by the very entities which the spirit of the F.O.O.L.S. was designed to fight.  While many original F.O.O.L.S. are relieved that episode is ancient history, there is still the issue of individual Chapters who fail to realize the International is only as strong as the Chapters they charter.  During the 2007 International Convention in New Jersey, the F.O.O.L.S. executive Board laid out an agenda for the next decade of the F.O.O.L.S. Incorporated into that agenda was the need to address what had become of the Chapters who believe they no longer need the International and have become an “Independent” so to speak, who continues to carry the F.O.O.L.S. moniker.  As the International Executive Board explained “It is time to take some action”. That action is figuring out where your membership is. Has your Chapter remained true to its faith and completely followed the “mission” of the F.O.O.L.S.? Or has your Chapter allowed its membership to steer a course where the International Executive Board needs to remind you of how you got to be a Chapter in the first place.  The “Call to action” here is to remind those, who need reminding, that there seems to be (in the last part of the F.O.O.L.S. decade) two “types” of F.O.O.L.S. Chapters. Those who never forgot where they came from and those who cannot seem to find their INTERNATIONAL membership card.  Thus, it continues to be fair to ask: “Are you a F.O.O.L.S. Chapter or is your membership FOOLing the International”?  Perhaps we only need to remind ourselves that the “Brotherhood” has always been there. If you do not believe that, then you do not understand the history and tradition of the Fire Service. I doubt, there are many F.O.O.L.S. who do not believe those who served many generations before us felt the same way we do, they simply did not have the F.O.O.L.S. as a tool to unite them.  If there is any current F.O.O.L.S. member who still does not get that, they only need to look at the many Chapter coins which feature the phrase “I have but one ambition…..”  Over the last 24 months, it seems fair to put forth the notion that F.O.O.L.S. International, as we know it, has reached a cross roads. In the last two years, a record number of Chapters have become inactive; the number of new Chapters has dramatically decreased, yet, the applications for membership into the International has continued to climb. At the 2007 International Convention, the International Executive Board recognized this cross roads and proclaimed to the record number of attendees that steps were going to be taken to address those Chapters and those members, who have lost touch with D.T.R.T., KTF, EGH, RFB, PTB, FTM.  It is here, in this article, another “call to action” is WHY WAIT for the International to do – when all we really need to do, is look inside ourselves.  You do not have to be from the largest Chapter to understand that “quality, not quantity” will immediately fuel the plans for the next decade, which the International has suggested. We must never forget the entire F.O.O.L.S. universe was created by five individuals. They were, the “meeting point” so many of us had been waiting for.  This article is not to suggest the majority of the Chapters have “lost their way” and that every Chapter must have some “non-desirables”. Quite to contrary, this article is suggesting that the momentum and agenda, we witnessed birth to at the 2007 Convention can only BEGIN and SUCCEED, when we COLLECTIVELY clean our own houses and return to the original concept of “All for one and that one is the International”.  Every Chapter President and Chapter Executive Board is faced with this very situation. How they answer the “call to action” will say much about the “status” of their Chapter. If five people can create what we have today, then five people, in every Chapter can adjust, correct and control what is created from here.  How is it, we can create “F.O.O.L.S. International” Chapters, yet, the International continues to struggle? How is it every Chapter is NOT working on ways to have representation at the International Convention? Even if it is only a single Chapter member. How is it all the momentum from the 2007 Convention died a slow death? How is it we did not “collectively” censor individual Chapter members who clearly violated the very International “Oath” they proudly accepted, when they received their INTERNATIONAL membership card?  There is NO SINGLE, PERFECT Chapter, in the known F.O.O.L.S. organization. All of us (including the International) has shown our warts from time to time.  It is with great hope that those who have read this article understand the intent of this article is to inspire individual Chapters to accept the Internationals “call to action”. True F.O.O.L.S. should never complain about seeing the “same group of members” at either your Chapter gathering, Chapter events or at International events.  When you are with the “same group”, aren’t you really with the Chapter members who never left the F.O.O.L.S. in the first place?  So decide, 10 years later, are you a F.O.O.L.S. Chapter? Or, is your membership FOOLing the International by forgetting where we all came from? No single person should be greater than the organization they represent. Here’s to the notion that no single F.O.O.L.S. Chapter should be greater than the INTERNATIONAL they represent.  D.T.R.T. The next decade of the F.O.O.L.S. may very well determine the legacy of the F.O.O.L.S. Here’s hoping your INTERNATIONAL chapter pitches in and ensures there will be a next generation of the F.O.O.L.S.  KTF.

The above article is submitted by Bill Hopson to all F.O.O.L.S. members nationwide, President of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S. His International membership number is 1099.

Fools International Yearly Chapter Dues

Brothers & Sisters,

Here we are on the back half of the year and what a year it’s been. Many events have occurred and in 2009 the direction of the FOOLS is going to be moving like a freight train. This cannot be done without the support of each and every chapter. Your involvement in the many different areas is crucial to our organization going to the next level.

The foundation of the FOOLS has been set and now is the time to build on that. During the 2007 FOOLS Convention in Seaside Heights New Jersey, the general membership voted on an annual chapter dues, paid to FOOLS International and that a committee was formed to put together a dollar amount that each chapter would be responsible to pay every year. The committee (comprised of Richie Stack- Southside FOOLS, Eric Hankins- NorCal FOOLS, Bill Hopson- Jersey FOOLS, Jeremy Brown- Indy Metro FOOLS and Dana Potter- Southern New England FOOLS) drew up an amount based off of an individual chapter’s membership. They brought forth the plan; it was approved by the FOOLS International Executive Board and put into the International’s Articles of Association. The breakdown is as follows:

1-50 members = $50 per year
51-100 members = $100 per year
101-200 members = $200 per year
201 members + = $300 per year max

The annual chapter dues will be due starting January 1, 2009. This being the first year, we are allowing chapters a grace period till April 1, 2009 to be paid in full, but we strongly urge everyone to have their chapter dues paid in full as early as possible in 2009. It is in your best interest to have an accurate roster of your chapter so dues paid to FOOLS International will be accurate and match the roster that FOOLS International has on each chapter. Chapter rosters that FOOLS International has can be obtained upon request either from Ellen Brown – Secretary or Ben Sheppard – Membership. I would encourage every chapter to obtain a copy of the roster we have of your chapter and compare it to the roster each chapter has on itself. This money will help support FOOLS International as well as chapters for certain events (i.e., conventions and training). Again proper planning for this is very important and we know that every chapter is on board. If you have any questions feel free to get a hold of Ellen Brown via email or phone (ellenb@foolsinternational.com or admin@foolsinternational.com, 423-479-3111).

 

Thank you for everyone’s participation and involvement.

The FOOLS International Executive Board:

Eric C. DePoto, President
Eric Hankins, Vice-President
Ellen Brown, Secretary/Treasurer
Ben Sheppard, 1^st Trustee, Membership
Lee Hudson, 2^nd Trustee, Merchandise
Andy Biron, 3^rd Trustee, Internet Operations
Mike Dugan, 4^th Trustee, Education

Join us at the Firehouse Expo!

Come Join us and your brother Fools from all over the country at the Firehouse Expo!

Meet us at Hooters Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday July 24th at 1pm!

This is a family event so bring them along, as well as your brother firefighters from your station/department.

FREE BEER for those members who wear our Chapter’s Official TShirt!!!

(No tshirt yet?  Bring $20, buy a shirt, then drink for FREE)

Look for our Chapter’s Banner on the outside railing ’cause that’s where all of the Fool’ish fun will be!

Hampton Fire Local 2450 Request for Help

One of our members, Medic/Fire Fighter Kate Messier recently experienced a difficult tragedy in her family.  She is a single mother of three teenage daughters, 23, 20 and 18.  The youngest, Caitlin, had a diving accident Sunday evening.  She fractured C-5 and C-6, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down but has some feeling and movement in her fingers and lower arms.  She underwent surgery today to repair the fracture and salvage any hope of her walking again.  The initial prognosis was 3% and there hasn’t been any defined change.

She graduated from high school less than one week earlier and was to begin the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy in July.  Kate, who rode in on the call and rendered care to her daughter, has not left her side since the incident occurred.  The Fire Chief has been very supportive of her situation and absence and we have all begun collecting funds for Kate and Caitlin to assist with a very long recovery and several thousand dollars in hospital and physician bills.

All we are asking is that the VPFF put the word out to other locals in hopes they will offer prayer and support in whichever manner they see fit.  An account has been set up at a SunTrust branch and donations can be made in the name of “Katherine Messier” if anyone wishes to donate monetarily.  Caitlin is currently in the ICU at Riverside Regional and will be for at least another week.  Local 2450 would appreciate any dispersion of our message to our other brothers and sisters in the state,  Thanks you.

Fraternally,
Jason Monk
VP – Local 2450

Company Patches Needed!

If you, and the brothers at the station, can help out with sending one of your company/department patches to a little boy who loves the fire service and everything WE stand for, please read the article from a brother Fools members below:

A Call to The Brotherhood

By: Scott Hardin hardin.ds@hotmail.com Captain Charlotte Fire Department, NC

While walking the exhibit halls during FDIC in Indianapolis, on Friday April 11, I ran upon a traffic jam. Not that this would not be uncommon, due to 30,000 Brothers and Sisters attending this years conference. As I made my way, trying to get around the gathering of people, I noticed a child that had a severe handicap and some health issues who was wheelchair bound, stopped in the middle of our path. He was the reason for the holdup. So like any other person in that group, I was curious if the child was ok or needed some type of assistance. After a quick survey, the child seemed to be doing fine; the Brothers and Sisters were just talking with the youngster.  You see this little guy has had a rough life in the few short years that he has been graced to be on God’s green Earth. As I got a little closer, I noticed several Fire Department patches were attached to the front of his wheelchair; a couple more were on a small desk top. I asked the lady (his nurse) who was standing by his side if they collected patches and she replied “Yes, he loves firefighters and fire service memorabilia”. So I asked if he comes from a family of firefighters. To my surprise the answer was no. You see, some Brothers and Sisters from where this little guy lives took the time, effort, and money to send him down to FDIC from South Bend, IN, just so he could be with the greatest bunch of people in the world. His mother made her way over to me and said they’d like to cover his room with FD patches and memorabilia one day.

So I ask of you to take 5 minutes out of your busy day, grab an envelope, and your local department patch. Put the patch inside with a little note for this little guy and send it off to him and his family.

 

Please send them to:

James Sipocz
26700 Darden Rd
South Bend IN, 46628

 

Fools International Pipes & Drums Website Announced!

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society’s Pipes & Drums have launched their website for all to see.  Go to http://foolsinternational.com/pipe_Drum/ to see what they are all about.  The Fools International Pipes & Drums are made up of brother and sister Fools members from chapters all over the country.  They have played together at numerous Fools and Fire Service functions for the past few years and have finally made it official.  Visit thier site to learn more. 

Membership Cards

Ok…as of just a few days ago, the International has finally been able to update every chapter’s membership into a new computer database.  Today, I received a complete list of those names from our chapter that are actually on file as members of Fools International.  There are almost 30 names that need to be updated (sent in) to Ellen in order to make our chapter’s roster up to date.  I will be sending those in with the appropriate dues amount so all of our members will be on file.  I know I have asked this before so bear with me for the last time (hopefully).  If you did not receive your Fools International Membership Card, please leave a comment below with your first and last name and that you NEED a card still.  Please do not comment if you DO NOT NEED a card.  Any questions should be forwarded to me via email.  This will still take a little time to sort out and get everyone’s name to the International.

-Keith

2008 Membership Dues

It’s that time of the year again.  Although a little late, membership dues will be due by May 1, 2008.  We have had a lot going on recently with the preparing for, and the cancelling our Spring Training event, and with the organizing of our Kick-Ash-Bash on April 12th.  For those who wish to remain active members, you must pay your dues by May 1st via PayPal by following this link, or the link on the website.  Dues are still $20 for the year.  If you do not pay by May 1st, your membership may be revoked and you will have to re-apply.  If you cannot pay via PayPal, please contact a member of the EBoard as soon as possible.