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| GATOR NATION F.O.O.L.S |
| FRATERNAL ORDER OF LEATHERHEADS SOCIETY |
| GAINESVILLE, FL. |
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| BY LAWS |
| LINKS |
| PREAMBLE |
| MISSION STATEMENT 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 and/or area. 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. PREAMBLE The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society has truly become an international organization. With its inception in 1995, the Founding Fools had no idea that this organization would have grown to the size that it is today. With the help of the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference and the Internet, Firefighters worldwide have been introduced to our society; one whose main purpose is to preserve the tradition, rich heritage and brotherhood of the Fire Service, a coveted possession that is found in no other profession. We, the Founding Fools, as well as all of our members, see a great need for the FOOLS in today’s society. With all the obstacles we face in our jobs it is easy to lose sight of what it is we really stand for. Our forefathers have worked hard, struggled and died for what is considered by us the best job in the world, and we owe it not only to them, but also to ourselves to preserve all that they have accomplished. More over, it is the spirit of our fallen Brother and Sister firefighters that we must keep alive. The FOOLS symbol of the burning globe signifies that, worldwide, firefighters are all Brothers and Sisters, regardless of racial, ethnic, religious or language differences. Just as fire burns without prejudice, we, the brave soldiers of the war that never ends, are bonded in the same way; we are all Brothers, we are all Firefighters. With the exponential growth of the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, other chapters have developed. The purpose for the Articles of Association of the FOOLS is so we may all follow the same path in our never-ending pursuit to preserve of our beloved profession. |
