Remember folks, “membership really does have it’s privileges”.
The Fraternal Order of the Leatherheads Society is an organization that believes in Pride: pride in our Departments, in our stations, in our apparatus, pride in ourselves, pride in organization and our Chapter.
Our Chapter prides itself in offering world class training at a reasonable cost, providing support and resources for brothers and sisters in need, being active members in our community and preserving the traditions, camaraderie and values of the fire service.
New England FOOLS is currently conducting a membership renewal. We have not heard from some of you in quite some time understand and realize the overwhelming number of commitments we all have and hope you will still stay active in our organization.
It is important to all members that they pay their membership dues every year. Your dues are an important component of the success of our organization. We feel it is important to let you know where your dues go and the importance paying them each year.
The International receives a onetime payment of $10. This is a processing fee that enrolls you in the international database, issues your FOOLS membership card, and enrolls you for a Death and Dismemberment Benefit your spouse, significant other or beneficiary.
The $30 annual dues payable to New England FOOLS is essential to keeping our chapter going. Your dues finance a number of programs and services throughout the year. A portion of your dues go to the International to pay for operating costs and the annual Disability and Dismemberment insurance premiums. The majority of your dues go to the Chapter. Your Chapter dues provide:
-Seed money for our training programs and other events
-Finances the up-front money for our merchandise
-Maintaining our website.
-The ability to make contributions to different firefighter charities on behalf of the Chapter
-Pays for the Chapter’s liability coverage premiums. (This is a critical component of our ability to host training events and we are one of the only FOOLS chapters nationally to have it.)
-Pays for Chapter operational cost
Being a member in good standing also entitles you to discounted rates for training, FOOLS merchandise, services and events through any FOOLS chapter.
Our Chapter’s financial self-sufficiency is critical to the success of our organization. Please take the opportunity to send in the attached renewal form or take advantage of our new website and online membership renewal located in the store section of the site.
If you have any new or updated contact info (mailing address, email or phone numbers), change in departments, rank etc, please let us know so we may better serve you. Complete the International’s update form, http://foolsinternational.com/update_info/new_Member_Update_Form.shtml, they will update us.
Once we have a comprehensive list of which of active members, dues notices will be forthcoming. The choice of remaining a member is up to you.
Thank you for supporting our organization, our Chapter, our programs and your commitment to preserving the fundamental elements and traditions of the fire service. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Be Safe!
Respectfully,
Your New England FOOLS Executive Board
