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Welcome to the Northern Virginia Chapter of FOOLS International. Established by a group of
Fairfax County firefighters on April FOOLS day 2006, we are one of the newest chapters to
join in the ongoing battle of keeping tradition and brotherhood alive in today's fire service.
Membership is comprised of firefighters of all ranks from Fairfax County, Arlington,
Alexandria, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Fairfax City, Manassas City, Manassas
Park, Quantico, Washington Metro Airport Authority, Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, Fauquier
County, and our DCFD brothers who live in Virginia, and includes career, part-time,
volunteer, and retired firefighters.

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) is an organization that was started 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. Since 1995, this
brotherhood has grown to over seven thousand strong. There are 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 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. The helmet is a sign of who we are,
not what we are.

The FOOLS, 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 FOOLS 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. The term "brother" or "brotherhood"
stands for EVERYONE. All we ask is that you are true to your brother and sister firefighter,
and to the fire service. 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 FOOLS 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
fund raisers, charity events, and helping disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas.
We believe that this part of what being a member of the FOOLS is all about.

The FOOLS 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. If firefighting training on a daily basis is not for
you, then the Northern Virginia FOOLS are not for you. Train to live, live to train.

We believe in Pride: In our departments, in our stations, in our apparatus, our families, and
pride in ourselves.

One last thing that we as the Founding Fools ask of each and every one of you, let us never,
ever forget those that have gone before us in the line of duty. Because those brave souls
have given all, it is up to us to keep them alive in our hearts and our memories.