Valley Of The FOOLS

Last Sunday, Rhett and I traveled to Lexington, Va to meet with a group of Brothers wanting to form a F.O.O.L.S (link) Chapter.

If you’re on the job and not familiar with F.O.O.L.S then you should be! They’re a GREAT bunch of Brothers and Sisters with a common goal … Doing The Right Thing!

Our Mission Statement is simple and to the point … “The F.O.O.L.S. exemplify the true meaning of the Brotherhood by providing training opportunities to Brother and Sister Firefighters worldwide.  We organize benefits to assist not only a firefighter and their families in need, but our communities as well. The F.O.O.L.S. exist to strengthen the Brotherhood of our chosen profession and fuel the flame of passion we have for our calling”.

Find out more from the FOOLS Web Site, CLICK HERE

Find FOOLS International on Face Book HERE

I mentioned we met in Lexington but what I failed to say was that we met at the Lexington Fire Station.

I should have started by saying a THANKS to Chief Ty Dickerson, his staff and members for allowing us in their home. They were very gracious hosts!

My dad started his firefighting service as a Volunteer in Lexington. The station pictured above right is obviously new and NOT the one Dad ran out of. I’ve been invited to their station several times and actually spoke at the awards dinner last year. I wrote about my first visit in a post titled “Honored and Humbled” (link) .

Visit their web site HERE

Or find them on Face Book HERE

So, despite the nasty weather, we assembled about 18 new members and formed a brand new chapter!

Rhett had created a Face Book Event Page before the meeting and it drew a lot of interest. We put the call out for anyone in the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Roanoke areas as well as Lexington, Conington, Staunton and Harrisonburg.

Basically anybody close enough to make the meeting who is interested in starting a Chapter in their area. We envisioned possibly establishing several Chapters … one somewhere North on I-81 and at least another somewhere a little more South. I’m sure we will quickly grow in numbers and may see the need to split Chapters.

We named the Chapter Valley Of The FOOLS !

I think it’s a GREAT name and only fitting as our founding members hail from the Roanoke, Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valleys.

Because of the diversity of the group, and our members being spread along  I-81 the location of our meeting will change. With that said, our next meeting will be held in Staunton, Va at Fire Station #1 on Feb. 9, 2014.

Find Valley Of The FOOLS on Face Book HERE!

Stay SAFE and in House ….

Captain Wines