Archive for July 2009
Insurance Coverage for All Fools Members
The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society has purchased an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy to cover all current members. According to Membership Trustee Ben Sheppard, as of May 11, 2009, each F.O.O.L.S. member in good standing is covered under a policy that will pay up to $4,000 to the beneficiary in case of death due to a work- or non-work-related accident, or in case of a loss of bodily appendage or sight because of an accident. The policy is drawn through the American Income Life Insurance Company, recognized as one of the largest providers of supplemental insurance in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
“The F.O.O.L.S. is committed to ensuring safety on and off the fire ground, but we recognize that accidents can happen and we want our members to be prepared in the event they do,” Sheppard said.
All active members were recently mailed an information packet on the coverage from the insurance company.
“We want to assure everyone that this is a legitimate insurance policy and there are no out-of-pocket fees associated with it,” Sheppard said. “However, for the policy to take effect, members must fill out the beneficiary forms that were mailed and return them as soon as possible. Once they are received, the insurance company will contact each member to verify the information.” Sheppard said that additional optional coverage is also available for members who wish to increase the policy up to $10,000 at their own expense. Sadly, the policy has already been needed. Just 18 days after the insurance coverage took effect, Southwestern New York F.O.O.L.S. member Michael Trzepacz died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Since he was covered, his family will receive the death benefit.
Members who have questions about the insurance coverage, or about their membership status, may contact Ben Sheppard at membership@foolsinternational.com.
Fools International Travel Agency Announcement
Fools International has now become a one stop shop for travel. Fools International is now a travel agency and travel bookings can be done through our website http://www.foolsinternationaltravel.com. We hope this makes traveling to conventions and training venues easier for our members. This is competitive travel NOT discount travel. If you look at our website you will not only find flights but car rentals, cruises, hotels, sporting event tickets and much much more. We look forward to working with you in your worldly travels.
Fools International’s Official Charities
F.O.O.L.S. INTERNATIONAL Endorses ST. BALDRICK’S and HERO2HERO.US
In another giant step for the FOOLS, the International E-Board has joined forces with two great charities. St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Hero To Hero.US
Most of you have probably heard of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation since they have been doing great work for children’s cancer research for a great many years. Many FOOLS from all over the country have participated in annual head shaving events for several years.
Hero To Hero.US is another non-profit organization that provides Fire Service T-Shirts to the Men and Women serving this great country overseas as part of the United States Military. H2H organizes shirt drives and facilitates the shipping of local shirts to local soldiers abroad.
So what does this mean to you? Well we are trying to get the word out to all of our local chapters so they can participate in St. Baldrick’s events in their area. Most events are held around St. Patty’s day (another day close to our hearts) so a formal “TEAM FOOLS” is going to be tough for 2009. But we still ask for your participation. Check out the St. Baldrick’s website at www.stbaldricks.org and try to find an event near you. Once you find an event get your members signed up and start getting donations.
While everyone is meeting for the St. Baldrick’s event, we thought it would be a great opportunity to help out our other partner Hero To Hero.US. We would like each chapter to organize a shirt drive from there local area that coincides with the St. Baldrick’s event. This way, we will have the chance to help out TWO great causes at once. Once the Shirts are collected then a chapter representative can go to the HeroToHero.US website http://www.herotohero.us and Pledge. Troops are requesting shirts by regions/hometowns, so make sure you are ready when your troops ask.
The International is very excited about the direction that we are all heading and look forward to a long and positive partnership with both of these great organizations. Please make us all proud by participating.
