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YORK, Maine — On June 27,FOOLS members from all over the countrygathered for the last time heretocelebrate the end of another outstanding annual Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society annual convention.Rusty Ricker, Presidentof the New England FOOLS chapter,opened the evening's ceremonies by thanking all those who attended and especially those who worked extra hard putting this convention together. As with all conventions, Founding FOOLS John "Bart" Simpson led the membership gathered together in recitingthe Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the "Ritual of the Can.”

Fourth Trustee, Mike Dugan, spoke to the audience about the FOOLS and our history, beginning with the very first meeting in the basement of the Hampton Inn during FDIC some fifteen years ago. "What started out as a common bond between firefighters from around the U.S. has now evolved into this, an organization that promotes training brotherhood and tradition," Dugan said.

Retired Hanover, N.H., Captain Mike Clarke made the next presentation. A surprise gift was given to him on behalf of the New England FOOLS by chapter President Ricker and Trustee PJ Johnson -- a new leather helmet with a custom painted shield with the United States Marine Corps Eagle Globe and Anchor design. President Ricker briefly spoke about the 35 years of service that Clarke gave and his three tours in Vietnam. An emotional Clarke accepted the gift and choked back tears to begin his presentation. During his speech he spoke out being a combat veteran and how every member of the fire service is one, too. "We need to be focused and ready to fight at a moment's notice," Clarke said.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the 2009 FOOLS Awards. Each year the FOOLS International Executive Board calls on the members to submit names and detailed information about members and chapters who have gone the extra mile. This year the Board received 30 nomination requests for four categories. Each nomination was reviewed and voted on by the Executive Board. This year's awards go to the following:

DANA HANNON AWARD – Congratulations to Aaron Heller, Jersey FOOLS, for his selection as this year's Dana Hannon Award recipient!

Dana Hannon was a FOOLS member who made training an important part of his life. He was an FDIC East/FDIC West HOT instructor, as well as a member of the FDNY and Wyckoff, NJ, Fire Department. Dana was killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

This award is given to the FOOLS member who shows a true passion for training his Brother and Sister firefighters. Through training, we can ensure that our Brothers and Sisters will have the knowledge and skills that will protect them on the job.


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CHRIS BLACKWELL AWARD - Congratulations to HOMMTEAM FOOLS, based in Florida, for taking home this year's Chris Blackwell Award!

Chris Blackwell was a Firefighter for the FDNY, assigned to Rescue 3. Chris was also a FOOLS member, receiving his membership card only three months before being killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Chris was also into training, teaching collapse training at FDIC and FDIC West as a HOT instructor. Chris was also a recipient of numerous medals of bravery from the FDNY.

This award is given to the most active FOOLS Chapter. A chapter that has been active in their own community and within the fire service by hosting fundraising events, training opportunities and the like; a FOOLS Chapter that has shown not only their fellow firefighters, but the general public the true brotherhood of our profession through purpose, kindness and dedication.

JOHN MICKEL AWARD – Congratulations to this year's John Mickel Award recipient - Central Mass FOOLS!

This award is named in honor of Osceola County Fire Rescue Lt John Mickel, who died tragically during a live fire exercise. His dedication to training and brotherhood were evident in his work, as well as by the performance of his crew.


This award is designated for a FOOLS Chapter that spreads the spirit and the word of the FOOLS through Brotherhood.


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FOOL OF THE YEAR – Congratulations to Jared Larna - a FOOLS member at-large - for being chosen as this year's FOOL of the Year Award recipient!

This award is given to the FOOLS member who is an all around ambassador to organization, truly effecting the mission statement of the FOOLS; a member who has spread the message of the FOOLS not only through his or her own chapter, but outside of the FOOLS, bringing in new members, and starting new chapters. By setting a good example to other firefighters, a positive image of our organization is spread to all who come in contact with this member.