Charleston Metro FOOLS

Brotherhood | Training | Tradition
🔥 Dedicated to the craft
📸 Training & events
📍 Charleston, SC
🚒 Est. 2019 The FOOLS are not a political organization.

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 str

ong. 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. 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.

06/23/2026

06/21/2026

What is a better Father’s Day gift than getting him one of the limited remaining seats for CMF Brews and Brotherhood with Chief Todd Edwards!!! National Firefighters Training Foundation The Firefighters Chalkboard Professional Firefighters of Summerville - Local 3979 North Charleston Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 2994 Charleston Firefighters Association - Local 61 Berkeley County Professional Fire Fighters Local 5446 West Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 5361 South Berkeley Fire District Horry County Professional Firefighters IAFF L4345

Registration is Open!!!
July 8 - Charleston, SC
Charleston Metro Fools Brews and Brotherhood
Holy City Brewery from 12pm - 8pm

Todd Edwards will be the instructor for this event.

Event details and registration at www.nfftf.org

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

06/02/2026

🚨ONE MONTH LEFT FOR NOMINATIONS🚨
The nominations for the 2026 FOOLS International Convention Awards close July 1st. Please be sure to recognize those deserving F.O.O.L.S. Members and Chapters who are out there furthering the MISSION!

Nomination form: https://forms.gle/Gt1TJJfxekdP5S4f8

06/02/2026

Firefighter Mayday Survey – May 2026 Snapshot

In May, we tracked 28 firefighter distress incidents during structure fires across the United States and Canada, including 20 Mayday, trapped, rescue, or LODD events and 8 injury/near-miss incidents.

Only a small percentage of these incidents have been submitted through the official Firefighter Mayday Survey form.

Tracking incidents is important, but the real value comes from collecting information directly from the firefighters involved/on scene. That’s how we identify trends, lessons learned, and opportunities to improve firefighter safety, training, and rescue operations.

Please keep sharing the survey and spreading the word.

If you were involved in any firefighter emergency, Mayday, entrapment, rescue, near miss, injury, or LODD event, or know someone who was, please take a few minutes to complete the survey if it has not already been done.

Fill it out:

FirefighterMaydaySurvey.com

We will continue to populate weekly (Mondays) and monthly (1st of the month) firefighter distress reports.

Please like/Share/Follow our pages
Firefighter Mayday Survey

Photos from Dorchester County Fire Rescue's post

05/26/2026

05/19/2026

🔥 Why should you register for Carolina Fire Days?

Because it’s more than just training, it’s about Brotherhood, skill, and leaving better than you arrived. 💪👨‍🚒

Take it from Jesse Gambalie, who has been a student and volunteer with us: every year, he walks away recharged, sharper in his skills, and stronger in his fire family connections.

You won’t find another conference with instructors, volunteers, and students so fully invested in the craft and in each other. Carolina Fire Days is where passion for the job meets true brotherhood.

Carolina Fire Days
November 11-14, 2026
Registration opens in April!!!
www.carolinafiredays.com
*If interested in sponsoring or donating raffle items, email us:
Email: [email protected]

05/19/2026

We are 4 months out from the 2026 FOOLS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. Get registered today at www.foolsinternational.com

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Location

Summerville

Website

https://charlestonmetrofools.regfox.com/2026-low-country-fire-conference-

Address

117 S Main St
Summerville, SC
29483