Wheat State FOOLS History

The Wheat State FOOLS, founded in 2003, is the first Kansas chapter of FOOLS International. Original Members were John Mathis, Brandon Holloman, Nate Jamison, Mike Grob, and Chris Moore.  Wheat State was active for over 13 years. The Wheat State resurgence took place in 2022. Paul Davis kept the vision of the brotherhood alive, maintaining the chapter bank account and paying annual International fees to keep up in good standings with the International.   


Official F.O.O.L.S. Toast

In the grips of death, we depend on our sisters & brothers, through smoke and fire we protect each other.
Our calling is clear we shall not wander, when protecting life it’s death before dishonor...
And here and now we raise our glass, a toast to the fallen heroes of the past.
Tradition, Brotherhood, Duty Forever, for this could be our last drink together!
Slainte!.

F.O.O.L.S. History

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (F.O.O.L.S.) is an organization that was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firemen. This group, known today as the Founding F.O.O.L.S., 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 every day 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 F.O.O.L.S., 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 F.O.O.L.S. 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. 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". Our membership is growing every day, and we encourage you to start a F.O.O.L.S. chapter in your department.​

The F.O.O.L.S. 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 fundraisers, charity events, and helping disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas. We believe that this part of what being a member of the F.O.O.L.S. is all about. 

The F.O.O.L.S. 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. 

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

One last thing that we as the Founding F.O.O.L.S. 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.

F.O.O.L.S. Acronyms

"FOR THE MEN... PROTECT THE BROTHERS"

A "Mutt" is someone or thing that will abuse and mistreat a Firefighter. This can be the City, the Mayor, the Chief in Charge, the habitual caller, or the homeless Person who starts a fire and leaves.

These are people that have never crawled down a hall or made the last room in an effort to do their job. If they can't get the job done today well maybe next week will do.

If we don't get the job done people might die and our brother and sister might also die. So we always lay it on the line and leave a little behind at every fire. I say that in a dark smoky hallway I can't tell the race, creed or sex of my fellow firefighter, I just know that they are with me. I don't care who or what you are as long as you are a firefighter and want to protect your brothers and sisters.

EGH - "EVERYBODY GOES HOME"
"Sulum reverto domus"

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". (Pressler, 2002)

RFB - "REMEMBER FALLEN BROTHERS"
"MEMOR CADO FRATER "

Lieutenant Michael Ciampo, 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."
(Pressler, 2002)

KTF - "KEEP THE FAITH"
"Servo fides"

"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!" (Pressler, 2002)