About Us

Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society 

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 the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged between firefighters, as well as 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 Marshland F.O.O.L.S. was formed in 2019 as a chapter of F.O.O.L.S. International. Five firefighters in southern Louisiana who share the same commitment to and passion for the fire service banded together to open this chapter of F.O.O.L.S. in the furtherance of fellowship and fire service tradition and training for the Bayou Region.

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 not only in tradition from the early years of firefighting, but one of bravery, integrity, honor, and pride. The helmet is a sign of not only what we are, but who 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 emergency calls to answer.

The F.O.O.L.S. is rooted in the brotherhood and tradition on which the fire service is based. When we are in our gear, and making our way down the dark and smokey hallway, we are all the same. All that matters is that you have my back, and that 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 fellow firefighter, and to the fire service. All firefighters are welcomed to be a part of this great organization; one does not have to own a leather helmet to be considered a "Leatherhead".

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

The F.O.O.L.S. also believes in providing real fire training for real firefighters. We believe that it is our duty to be as well trained as we can possibly be. This serves to keep us, and our fellow firefighters safe on the fireground. We owe this to ourselves, our fellow firefighters, their families, and to the citizens we serve and protect.

Members of the F.O.O.L.S. believe in Pride.  Pride in our departments, in our stations, in our apparatus, in our profession, and in ourselves.

The F.O.O.L.S. implores that you never forget those that have gone before us in the line of duty. Those brave souls have given all, and it is up to us to keep them alive in our hearts and our memories.