So, let's face it. If these guys never had the drive and passion to make this organization happen, then we would not even be together. So, please read a brief Bio on these firefighters who are referred to as "The Founding F.O.O.L.S." and thank them if you are ever fortunate enough to meet them. Even though their organization has grown beyond their expectations, they continue to play an active role from within.
MICHAEL H. GILBERT BREVARD FIRE TRAINING ACADEMY, COCOA, FL.
Michael H. Gilbert is a 27 year veteran of the fire service, currently serving as Chief of the Brevard Community College Fire Training Academy in Florida. Mike also holds the rank of Lieutenant with the Melbourne Fire Department. He has been an FDIC staff member and a "HOT" Instructor since 1992. He also instructs for FIREHOUSE Expo & FIREHOUSE WORLD. Certified by the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, Mike is a well seasoned Instructor in the areas of Fire Fighter Survival, Engine & Truck Operations, and has been instrumental in the development of the Fire Service Hydraulics, and Basic Firefighting Standards for the State of Florida. He also is a co-founder of Pro Aquatics, a Florida based training organization that develops and teaches water safety and survival programs for both the Fire Service and Law Enforcement.
Mike Stallings Jr. City of Orlando Fire Department Engine Company 1
Mike Stallings Jr. has been a member of the Fire Service for 15 years, currently serving the last 12 years with the City of Orlando (Fl) Fire Department where he holds the rank of Lieutenant and is a member of Engine Company 1. Mike has been an FDIC instructor, proudly teaching from 1999-2002, he is on the organizational committee of the Orlando Fire Conference as a Hands On Training Advisor, and has been involved in training brother and sister firefighters in Maine, California, Baltimore, Indianapolis and many parts of Florida. Mike is a member of the Florida USAR Task Force-4 (FLTF-4) as a Rescue Specialist and holds the rank of Lieutenant at the Brevard Fire Training Academy. In his department, Mike is the co-founder of the Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums in where he holds the rank of Pipe Major.
John "Bart" Simpson Osceola County Fire Rescue Truck Company 72
John ''Bart" Simpson has been a member of the fire service for 29 years and is currently assigned to Truck Company 72 in Celebration, Florida. John started his fire service career with the Peters Township Fire Department Pennsylvania. John currently holds the rank of Chief with the Brevard Community College Fire Training Academy. He has been an FDIC staff member and " H.O.T.'' Instructor since 1987. John also instructs for FIREHOUSE EXPO & FIRE HOUSE WORLD and has also instructed internationally. Certified by the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, John is well versed in the areas of Truck & Engine Company Operations, RIT, Fire Fighter Survival and Thermal Imaging. John is also the Southeastern Demo Representative for Total Fire Group's "Fire Warrior Program" . In his department, John participates in various committees.
Walt Lewis City of Orlando Fire Department
Lieutenant Walt Lewis has been involved in the fire service for 18 years; the last 12 with the City of Orlando Fire Department. He is also an instructor at the Central Florida Fire Academy working with the Engine, Truck and Rescue Operations programs. As an executive board member of FOOLS International, he has been involved in various training and fund raising events for the FOOLS and charities they support.
Ken Ireland City of Orlando Fire Department
Ken Ireland has been in the fire service for 15 years. The last 10 years serving with the City of Orlando Fire Department. Ken is Engineer currently assigned to Tower Company 7. He has a A.S. degree in Fire Science from Brevard Community College and currently working towards his Bachelors in Safety Engineering. He is a Florida State certified Fire Instructor and works for B.C.C. as a adjunct instructor. He is assigned to to Florida Task Force 4 as a rescue specialist. Ken had previously worked at FDIC as a H.O.T. instructor
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. 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 everyday, and we encourage you to start a FOOLS chapter in your department.
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 fundraisers, 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.
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 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.
