Scholarship Award Winner

April 29th, 2013 View Comments

Please join us in congratulation Brother Mike McKay of the Farmington NH Fire Department. Brother McKay has been chosen from a field of worthy candidates, and awarded a scholarship to attend a Training Seminar in June on Long Island in Memory of Joey DiBernardo.

A member of the Fire Service since 2009, Brother McKay has excelled, obtaining his Firefighter 2 certification, becoming an EMT and a Fire Instructor to highlight his accomplishments.

Recently having been assigned to the Department’s training division, Brother McKay feels that this will help him by allowing him to pass along the knowledge imparted to him.

A New England FOOLS member since 2012

Training Scholarship Opportunity

February 16th, 2013 View Comments
As a part of our ongoing commitment to you, the membership, I am pleased to make this announcment. We have partnered to provide a deserving New England FOOL with a scholarship to attend this Training Seminar in memory of Joey D. If you are a New England FOOLS member with five (5) years or less as a firefighter, and are willing and able to travel to attend this conference, please submit to me your name, Department, phone and email, and a brief description of why you should be considered for this scholarship. Submit to me via email, President@NEFOOLS.org. Winner will be announced at the Northeastern Fire Summit in Maine in March.

Northeastern Fire Summit 2013

January 8th, 2013 View Comments

Friday and Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd

Hosted at the Maine Fire Service Institute, Sewall Rd, Brunswick ME.

Cost: $60 FOOLS Members, $75 non-FOOLS, lunch included.

The New England FOOLS have brought together some of the finest Fire Service instructors from around the country, both old friends and new, for an intimate one-day seminar.

Last year we set the bar high with the inaugural 2012 event in NH. 

We head east in 2013 for a change of venue, and the opportunity to show the Midcoast of Maine why with the New England FOOLS, Brotherhood is more than just a word.

Brothers attending: BRING YOUR HELMETS!

–TOPICS TO INCLUDE–

Doors open 1730:  Friday night keynote by Captain Mike Dugan FDNY (ret) “Honor...”  Friday evening’s presentation will be sponsored by our friends at Cutters Edge Fire/Rescue Saws.

Saturday, doors open 0730; topics to include:

- “Engine Company Ops” presented by District Chief Kevin Maloney of the Worcester FD
- “Street Smart Truck Company Ops” presented by New England FOOL Capt Pat Nichols of the Boston FD and Lt Mark Gregory of the FDNY
- “The Art of the Third Due” presented by New England FOOL Lt Dave Gallagher of the Huber Heights OH (ret) FD
- “Training From the Top Down” presented by Jersey FOOL Chief Mark Antozzeski of the Hamilton Twp NJ FD
New England FOOLS Executive Board member Captain Mike Clark will be our Master of Ceremonies for the weekend, ensuring a smooth delivery of the day’s program.

As a part of our Northeastern Fire Summit, we have secured an exclusive screening of the upcoming movie “Murph the Protector”, which tells the story of Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Murphy, who’s story was first told in the book ‘Seal of Honor’. This screening will be on Sunday morning the 23rd at a time to be named later. It will be early enough (but not TOO early) to allow for travel home for all. I urge you all to try to attend. We are beginning this weekend with a guy from Long Island (Captain Dugan) speaking about Honor. We will be capping this weekend off with the screening of this movie, about a guy from Long Island that personfies Honor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ps8z2-40YM

This training will be dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, Suffolk County FOOLS President and FDNY Lt Rich Nappi, who died in the line of duty on April the 16th, 2012.

We have worked with the Best Western Plus Bath/Brunswick for a discounted rate, http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/ME/Brunswick-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-PLUS-Brunswick-Bath/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=20025.  CALL THEM DIRECT and tell them you are with the FOOLS.  Booking over the internet will not guarantee the FOOLS rate.

For further information and downloadable application, please go to www.NEFOOLS.org/wordpress, or contact President Rusty Ricker.  Call 978-360-4765 or email, President@NEFOOLS.

Make checks payable to New England FOOLS Inc.

Northeastern Fire Summit
C/o New England FOOLS
P.O. Box 109
Georgetown, MA 01833

–Download and print your application here–

–Download and print an event flier here–

 

Box Alarm Level Sponsors:

 

First Alarm Level Sponsors:

General Alarm Level Sponsors:

–2013 Dues Assessment–

January 1st, 2013 View Comments

ATTENTION ALL NEW ENGLAND FOOLS MEMBERS

2013 Chapter dues are due. $30 payable to the New England FOOLS Inc.

You can remit them by mail to the New England FOOLS Po Box 109 Georgetown Ma 01833.

Those of you who do NOT pay your dues will be placed on an INACTIVE list with the New England FOOLS. Prompt payment of your $30 annual dues will keep you from ending up on that list.

Again this year, steps will be taken to REMOVE you from the roster for non-payment.

Those newer members who received a card from me stating that your dues are not due until ‘13 are all set.

It costs money to operate the Chapter folks, please do your part.  If any of your contact information has changed, please let the Int’l know via this link: http://foolsinternational.com/update_info/new_Member_Update_Form.shtml

Our annual Fire Buff Photo Night is scheduled for the 23rd of February at the Black Swan CC in Georgetown Mass.  This is always a good time.

Other events in the planning stages include a possible return of the Northeastern Fire Summit, and 2013 Spring Training.

This Anniversary year is sure to be one to remember.

If you have ANY question, please email President@NEFOOLS.org.

Fire Buff Photo Night 2013

December 17th, 2012 View Comments

The first in a series of events to celebrate our first decade as a Chapter.

Annual Fire Buff Photo Night
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd

Join the New England FOOLS as we celebrate our tenth anniversary as a Chapter of FOOLS International.

The Black Swan Country Club
258 Andover St (Rte 133), Georgetown MA

Social “Liars Hour” 5PM-7PM
Show Time: 7PM– 11PM

Hard to believe that we’ve been at this for eight years.  A little known fact: Photo Night is (somewhat) medical professional approved method for chasing away the mid-winter blues, sharing some Brotherhood and trading a war story or two!

Presentations begin at 7pm SHARP.

There will be light fare and a cash bar.

Admission $10 at the door.

Sponsored in part by our friends at Boston Fire Gear.

For more info visit http://www.NEFOOLS.org/wordpress

Brothers Helping Brothers, A Relief Effort for the Brothers in New Jersey

November 7th, 2012 View Comments
The New England FOOLS will be sponsoring and holding a collection drive for necessary items for our Brother FF’s, their families and communities in areas of New Jersey hit by Hurricane Sandy.

The New England FOOLS will be collecting the following items:

Dust masks
Eye protection
Work Gloves (leather all sizes)
Work coats (all sizes)
Underwear (new, in package, all sizes)
Socks (new, in package)
Sweatshirts (all sizes)
Thermal underwear (new in package all sizes)
Trash bags (contractor grade)
Batteries
Shovels
Flashlights (with batteries)
Candles
Matches
Gloves (knit/winter)
Lighters
Mops
Band-Aids/first aid kits
Cold medicine (new, unopened)
Pain Relief medicine (new, unopened)
Hand Sanitizer
Triple Antibiotic Ointment (new, unopened)
Allergy Medications (new, unopened)
Blankets (new)
Hand warmers
Generators (gasoline powered, 5000W or greater)
Extension cords (50’ or greater)
Gas cans (5 gal)
Hats (knit/winter)
Deodorant (new, unopened)
Feminine hygiene products (new, unopened)
Toothbrushes (new, unopened)
Toothpaste (new, unopened)
Fire starters/fire logs (eg:Duraflame)
Pillows (new)
Sleeping bags (new)

We will also be collecting new Fire Department tshirts from your department. Let the Brothers know where the assistance is coming from.

Those wishing to make monetary donations, we ask that they be made in the form of gift cards.

Drop-off site will be next door to the Georgetown Building Supply at 103 East Main St (Rte 133) in Georgetown Mass.

We will be collecting until sometime next Friday evening. Looking at heading South next weekend.

Any Brothers willing to assist by staffing the collection point, please either call, email or text  President Rusty Ricker.

Times/hours to be posted soon, the space is not yet ready for us, we hope to begin Saturday morning.

Thank you all for your assistance.

FTM-PTB

From the Executive Board, FOOLS International

September 26th, 2012 View Comments

9/18/2012

Brothers and Sisters,


FOOLS International was formally organized in 1995 and operated by the people that are now recognized as the Founders. Approximately 4 years ago it was decided to make changes in the organization. During the convention in Seattle (2008) the reins were handed over to the first ever Founder appointed Executive Board. The FOOLS Organization continues to grow; with that said we must continually re-evaluate and grow with our organization, much the same way we did four years ago.  In an effort to continue growth and provide for the well-being of the organization, The Founding FOOLS have decided to make changes to the Bylaw/Article of Associations that affect the current E-Board.  Likewise, some personnel changes will be taking effect along with these changes.

*Bylaw/Articles of Association Changes:*

· Internet Trustee position will be eliminated from the Executive Board. This position will remain a part of the organization but will not be an Executive Board position.

· Merchandising Trustee position will be eliminated from the Executive Board. This position will remain a part of the organization but will not be an Executive Board position.

Other Changes may be forthcoming.

Executive Board Personnel Changes:

· *President* – Rich Stack (Chicago Fire Department, IL) Will be replacing Eric DePoto (Charlotte Fire Department, NC)

· *Vice President* – No Changes, Eric Hankins (Yuba City Fire Department, CA)

· *Secretary/ Treasurer* – Dana Potter (Massport Fire Department, MA)

· *Trustee – Membership *- No Changes, Ellen Brown (member at large)

· *Trustee – Education – No Changes*, Mike Dugan (FDNY – Retired) will remain for one year. Rob Fisher (Snohomish County Fire District 7, WA) will assist Mike and be trained as his successor.

We will continue to have the Radio Show with Fire Engineering and Rich will continue the Presidents meetings and communicate with the chapters.

We would like to thank Eric DePoto for his dedication and efforts as the first appointed President, Andy ”Sippy” Biron for his work on the E-Board and maintaining the website and Lee Hudson for his work on the E-Board and merchandising.  We look forward to FOOLS to continue to grow and be “The Voice of the Brotherhood”.

Be Safe and long live the FOOLS.

John”Bart”Simpson
Founding FOOL

**NOTE: Copies of the AD&D Insurance letters that go out to all new members were “pre-printed” with the past president’s name. We don’t want anyone to be confused. Thank you…Ellen**

From Downeast to Downtown: A Hands-on Training for the emergencies that we ALL face.

July 19th, 2012 View Comments

–The New England FOOLS are sorry to announce that the upcoming ‘Downeast to Downtown’ training scheduled for September 6th and 7th has been CANCELLED due to LACK OF INTEREST. –

We sincerely apologize to the FOUR people who actually signed up for this class.  The rest of you do not know what you missed.

FDNY LODD Lt Rich Nappi, Suffolk County FOOLS President 4/16/2012

April 26th, 2012 View Comments

The announcement of a LODD during FDIC in Indy is a solemn enough occasion.  To find out that the LODD is a FOOL, and more importantly, a friend, hit close to home.  The pallor that this put over the Brothers in Indy was palpable. 

FDNY Lt. Richard Nappi, 47, who was assigned to Engine 237, collapsed from heat exhaustion fighting a 3-alarm blaze in a commercial building on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn and later died at Woodhull Hospital.

Lt. Nappi was originally from the Bronx and worked as a New York state parole officer and as a case worker for the Suffolk County (Long Island) Department of Social Services before becoming a firefighter in 1994. He served 17 years with the FDNY, and as a member of Engine 7 in lower Manhattan, was a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. He was a founding member and President of the Suffolk County F.O.O.L.S. chapter, and a strong advocate for training.

Although Lt. Nappi was a devoted family man and consummate professional, he was best known by friends and family for his quick wit, sarcasm, and sense of humor. He is featured “breaking stones” in the opening scene of the famous Jules and Gedeon Naudet documentary about  September 11th.

Some ten thousand strong came to honor Rich Saturday the 21st on Long Island.  Among them were a contingent of FOOLS from all over the United States.  New England FOOLS President Rusty Ricker, Trustee Andy Biron and Past EBoard Member Jeff Ricker were among those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder to honor Rich.

It was an honor and a pleasure to stand with our Brother FOOLS and the assembled members of the FDNY and beyond who came to honor the life of such a great FOOL, great fireman, and great family man.  His loss is profound, and shall be felt throughout the Nation, by both those in and outside of the FOOLS and the Fire Service.

FDNY Lt Rich Nappi

The Claddah in Indy, an FDIC staple, put out this tribute to Nappi, along with a shot of his favorite 'poison', Grape Crush. Straight-up.

Assembled FOOLS from around the Country at Nappi's funeral with E237.

Five Star Extrication and New Vehicle Technology

March 22nd, 2012 View Comments

Single-day, open enrollment class:

On-Scene Training Associates and Five Star Fire Training along with the New England FOOLS proudly present:

 5 Star Extrication for the Short-Staffed Crew &  New Vehicle Technology 

Saturday, June 16th 2012 0900-1600 hrs

Cost: $85 for non-FOOLS members; $75.00 for FOOLS members.  Lunch included

Location:

Erie #4 Fire Station, 474 North St, Georgetown Mass 01833

For further information  contact President Rusty Ricker, via email President@NEFOOLS.org. 

Make checks payable to New England FOOLS Inc.

Five Star Extrication
C/o New England FOOLS
P.O. Box 109
Georgetown, MA 01833

 

EXTRICATION FOR THE SHORT-STAFFED CREW-

This interactive presentation addresses the difficulties faced by companies staffed by 3 or less firefighters when dealing with motor vehicle extrications. It will define a short-staffed crew. Although we do not advocate short staffing, we know this is the norm across the country. This program’s goal is to provide the target audience of chiefs, officers, and firefighters with many operational suggestions that will make an immediate positive impact on the safety of their crews and patients.

ADVANCED NEW VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY EXTRICATION-

This presentation provides the rescuer with the most up-to-date information regarding metallurgy challenges, new vehicle components, safety systems, and the newest and most successful extrication techniques. This program will provide attendees with the knowledge necessary to immediately operate more efficiently and safely at incidents involving New Vehicle Technology.

INSTRUCTORS:   Aaron Heller is a 26 year veteran of the fire service and a captain in charge of training for the Hamilton Twp. NJ Fire District #9. Capt. Heller is a NJ Level 2 instructor and fire official and EMT. He is a past chief of the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company and Chairman of the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners. Heller is an instructor with the Mercer County Fire Academy. Capt. Heller instructs at several national, regional, and local training events. Aaron is a founding member of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S chapter of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherhead Society. He is the owner of On Scene Training Associates, LLC.

Carl Haddon is the national training director for the 5 Star Training Academy sponsored by Volvo North America and serves as a deputy fire chief and fire commissioner for the North Fork Fire Department in Idaho. He is a career veteran of more than 25 years in the fire and EMS service in southern California and has served since the early 1980s as a fire/safety director for numerous racing organizations, including Penske Motorsports, NASCAR, USAC and Mickey Thompson Racing. He is a certified Level 2 fire instructor and teaches auto extrication classes across the country. Carl also does consulting work for several fire service equipment manufacturers. He is a columnist with Fire Apparatus Magazine.

Download Flier HERE: FiveStarExtricationFlier

Download Application HERE: Five Star 2012 application