2008 International Convention Wrap Up
(Article From the International Site www.foolsinternational.com)

 

July 12th, 2008 Seattle, Washington…..The conclusion of the 2008 Fools International Convention has arrived. A lot of changes happened this year at the best convention held to date. If you were one of the unlucky members who could not attend this year please take a few minutes to read some major changes that took place in the Pacific North West.

The official opening was held on the evening of Wednesday, July 9^th. The following chapters were represented:

Eastern Idaho Fools (ID), Farthest North Fools (AK), Great Fools of Fire (AK), Hernando Hommteam (FL), Indy-Metro Fools (IN), Ayr Head Fools (NE), New England Fools (ME, NH, MA), Island Fools (WA), Jersey Fools (NJ), Johnson County Fools (IN), NorCal Fools (CA), Northwest Washington Fools (WA), Olympic Peninsula Fools (WA), Palm Beach County Fools (FL), Puget Sound Fools (WA), Southwest Washington Fools (WA)., Southside Fools (IL), Stockton Fools (CA), & Treasure Coast Fools (FL).

Members of those chapters enjoyed a great social networking event. New friendships were made and old ones renewed. At the conclusion of the social event, the Brothers and Sisters headed out to the area pubs and experienced the Seattle night life.

July 10th started off bright and early. Nearly sixty convention attendees rallied up for the third running of the FOOLS Grand Prix at K1 Speed in Redmond, WA. This course had drivers challenged from the word go. Each driver raced two 8 lap qualifiers to achieve one of the top eight times in the field of competitors. After the entire field had two chances to qualify, just eight speed demons remained. Those eight warriors were Kaleb Bruch, Brandon Gardner, Bryan Johns, Bill Ekse, Bill Hobson, Walt Lewis, Justyn Shevlin and Jason Vandyken.

With a fifteen lap finale facing the top eight drivers, the pressure was on to be number 1 and the 2008 champion. A clean race began with little to no accidents or slow downs. It was clear at the half way mark that Kaleb Bruch of the Northwest Washington FOOLS was the driver to catch. And in the end he was the man to beat and no one could do it. The top three spots for the 2008 FOOLS Grand Prix went to Kaleb Bruch (Northwest Washington FOOLS), Justyn Shevlin (Puget Sound FOOLS) and Brandon Gardner (Puget Sound FOOLS) in that order.

After a short ride back to convention headquarters, we all had some well earned down time. At 7pm the general membership gathered for what one may call unforgettable. With standing room only, 125 members gave their undivided attention.

The evening started off with the posting of the Colors by a collaborative of area Fire Department Honor Guard members, lead by Karen Leming. The singing of the National Anthem was preformed by Ryan Lundquist (Puget Sound Fools) and the Invocation was given by Julie Wyatt (Riverside Fire & Rescue).

A Presidents welcome was given by Chad Berg (Puget Sound Fools) and Chad Snyder (Northwest Washington Fools). Both presidents welcomed all to the Seattle area and thanked the major sponsors, MES Supply, Elkhart Brass and Snohomish County Fire District #7 for their support.

Emcee for the evening, Rob Fisher, began the evening by introducing the staff of the Puget Sound and Northwest Washington FOOLS chapters who made this convention what it was. Those members recognized were as follows:

• Jeremy Stocker - Safety / Registration
• Chad Snyder - FIO (FOOL Info. Officer)
• Sven Schievink - Planning
• Rob Fisher - Operations
• Jeff Collins - Logistics
• Shane Smith - Finance
• Kevin O'Keefe - Transportation
• Matt Sebastionelli - Registration
• Bill Ekse - Merchandise
• Karen Leming - Color Guard
• PJ Burt - Bagpipes
• Steve Reno - Training
• Chad Berg - Events
• Brandon Gardner - Go-Karts
• Josh Materi - Elliott Bay cruise
• Chris Frost - Pub Crawl

Without their dedication of time and effort this convention would not have happened.

Presidents Berg and Snyder presented Ellen Brown and Andy "Sippy" Biron with several special items of appreciation for their efforts in assisting both chapters with any and all needs for convention 2008. Although Ellen and her husband could not attend this year, a special phone call was placed to her while she was being recognized for her efforts some 3000 miles away in Tennessee.

There was a special musical presentation by Tom & Al (Tacoma Fire). Tom is a member of the fire service and has been on the job for over 40 years. Al wrote a song called "forty-years" in Tom's honor.

Two multi-media presentations followed the musical entertainment. Puget Sound FOOLS Rob Fisher produced a video to showcase the members of Puget Sound and Southwest Washington FOOLS and their efforts throughout the years. Following this presentation, brother Josh Materi brought a tear to everyone's eye with a video to our fallen brothers and sisters.

Closing remarks for the evening were given by the keynote speaker, Retired Chief of Department and Editor and Chief of Fire Engineering Magazine, Mr. Robert Halton. Chief Halton started his speech and set the tone of the convention with the history of his family and their traditions in the fire service. Chief Halton then touched on the latest path in his fire service career as being named the Editor and Chief of Fire Engineering Magazine. He spoke of when he received a phone call shortly after being named to this position from the then General President of FOOLS International, Mike Gilbert. In their conversation Mike Gilbert posed the question of where the FOOLS will fit in to his plans for the future with Fire Engineering, Chief Halton replied, “You're talking to a charter member of three different FOOLS chapters and the FOOLS are still near and dear to my heart”. A resounding round of applause and cheers erupted from the audience. He followed the cheers and applause with a bold statement, "As long as I'm the Editor and Chief, you have my word, that no article published in Fire Engineering will not be true to the fire service". He further confirmed this statement that this is what the FOOLS stand for, Brotherhood, Training and Tradition.

Chief Halton's speech was both moving and inspiring. It is by far the proudest moment that we as FOOLS could have ever witnessed. He concluded his presentation with the statement that the FOOLS hold true to our hearts, “Do the Right Thing, Keep the Faith, Always Remember Fallen Brothers and Everyone Goes Home”.

At the conclusion of Chief Halton's keynote presentation, Founding FOOLS and Past General President, Mike Gilbert, presented Chief Halton with one of the original 100 FOOLS International challenge coins. Mike Gilbert addressed the audience with the history of these rare coins. Only 100 coins of the original striking were ever produced. Anyone in possession of these coins, other than the Founding FOOLS, have been "gifted" to them by one of the original members of FOOLS International, and is considered a high honor in this organization. After the coin was “gifted” to Chief Halton the opening ceremonies concluded and the attendees networking and socializing.

Chief Halton followed up this spectacular speech with a heart felt blog posting on his Fire Engineering Community page. You can view his post here.

July 11th kicked off with what is now going to be a new tradition at all FOOLS International Convention,TRAINING DAY. Members boarded a bus for the one hour ride to the State of Washington Fire Academy, in North Bend, WA. The majority of convention attendees, from all over the United States participated in several of the following classes taught by local FOOLS members:

• Tactics for Incident Commander - Capt. Mark Risen (Puget Sound Fools), Bellevue Fire Department.
• Building Construction - Lt. Todd Wernet (Puget Sound Fools), Seattle Fire Department.
• History & Tradition - B/C Jeff Edmonds (Puget Sound Fools), Everett Fire Department and Oden Olson (Puget Sound Fools), Everett Fire Department.
• Mayday -Southwest Washington FOOLS(organized by Chad Snyder)
• Forcible Entry - Puget Sound Fools (organized by Josh Materi)
• Street Level Pump Ops - Chris Edmundson (Puget Sound Fools)
• Fire Behavior - Capt. John Tanaka (Puget Sound Fools), Everett Fire Department.

At the conclusion of this benchmark setting event, members boarded the bus bound for the host hotel to clean up and get ready for the Elliott Bay Cruise aboard the Argosy Cruise Line.

The cruise had just started its short tour of the waterfront before heading right back to port to pick up a very special late arrival, Eric DePoto, the incoming General President of FOOLS International. Once President DePoto was aboard, the cruise continued on the open waters of Elliot Bay. With a breathtaking sunset and a ship full of brotherhood, this was one for the ages. After 2 hours, the ship returned to port for the final time. Attendees disembarked and enjoyed the rest of the evening along the Seattle waterfront.

July 12th started with the Presidents and Executive Board meetings in the morning. Founding FOOL and past General President, Mike Gilbert, started each meeting by noting the milestones reached. The Founding FOOLS are stepping back, and a new Executive Board was appointed to lead this organization. Newly appointed President Eric DePoto addressed the members in attendance. He highlighted on his goals and objectives that he has set forth where the FOOLS are headed. Some of the items President DePoto spoke of included meetings for continual operations,priorities of vision, physical fitness, policing of chapters for misconduct/inactivity,training at the conventions as a priority, and determining how chapters are handling their Hands On Training.

Matt Gilbert, financial advisor to FOOLS International, addressed both meetings on the current status of the 501(c)(3) non-profit listing with the Federal Government. As of this meeting, the process is complete and has been for some time. He touched on the topic of local chapters completing this process on their own. He advised that the local chapters must obtain their own tax exempt number due record keeping issues. In the near future a package will be available to all chapters on how to file for their own 501(c)(3). Members adjourned and spent the next several hours sightseeing along the waterfront.

At 7pm the General session was held. It must be noted that in traditional fashion, the Founding FOOLS took their positions at the dais. Every member of the Founding FOOLS and the newly appointed Executive Board were dressed with a black button down shirts adorned with the "flaming globe" that is synonymous with FOOLS International. At the start of the meeting Founding FOOL John "Bart" Simpson held the traditions of the past by giving a toast with the International "can" to our fallen Brothers and Sisters along with the members or our Armed Forces. Past General President Mike Gilbert began the general session and the first ever changing of the Guard. Each of the Founding FOOLS were introduced, followed by the newly appointed Executive Board member who would replace them. Each member was passed the "can". At the conclusion of this never seen before event, the Founding FOOLS took their seats in the crowd and the new Executive Board took theirs in the front of the room. Next, General President DePoto addressed the general meeting with his plans for the future of this great organization. He touched on all the topics that both the Presidents and Executive Board meetings had discussed, earlier in the day.

Founding FOOLS Walt Lewis took the stage next to present the 2008 FOOLS International awards. This marked a milestone in the 7 years that FOOLS International has recognized its outstanding members.Some thirty five submissions were received this year to recognize members for their efforts throughout out the year. Those recipients are as follows for 2008:

DANA HANNON AWARD - Dana Hannon was a Fools member that made training 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 will be 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. (Last year's recipient was Bob Swick, Miami Valley FOOLS)

This year's recipient for the Dana Hannon award is Rob Fisher, Puget Sound FOOLS.

CHRIS BLACKWELL AWARD - Chris was a Firefighter for the FDNY assigned to Rescue 3. Chris was also a Fools member, receiving his card only 3 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 awarded numerous times with medals of bravery from the FDNY.

This award will be given to the most active Fools Chapter. A chapter that has been active in their own community and fire service community by fund raising 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. (Last years recipient was Hernando Hommteam FOOLS)

This year's recipient for the Chris Blackwell award is Puget Sound Fools.

JOHN MICKEL AWARD - It 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 Chapter that spreads the spirit and the word of the FOOLS through Brotherhood. (Last year's recipient was Farthest North FOOLS)

This year's recipient for the John Mickel award is Southside FOOLS.

JOSH EARLEY AWARD – Josh Earley was a career fireman assigned to Engine Company 27 of the Charlotte Fire Department. He also served as a part-time fireman with the Harrisburg Fire and Rescue Department. His service was steeped in tradition and pride in being an American Fireman. Because of Josh's dedication and commitment to being a fireman, he took great pride in being an inaugural member of the Charlotte Metro FOOLS. Josh died three days after sustaining mortal injuries at a fire in a private dwelling, while serving as a Harrisburg firefighter.

The Josh Earley Award was created to honor a rookie or new firefighter who shows initiative and passion for “the job”. (Last year's recipient was Mike Rich, Hernando Hommteam FOOLS)

This year's recipient for the Josh Earley award is Tommy Ellingson, Hernando Hommteam FOOLS.

FOOL OF THE YEAR - This Fools member is an all around ambassador to the mission statement of our organization. A member that 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 him/her. (Last year's recipient was awarded to Mike Veseling, Southside FOOLS)

This year, the FOOL of the Year had two recipients; they were Chad Berg (Puget Sound FOOLS) and Chad Snyder (Southwest Washington FOOLS).

Next brother Bill Hobson, President of Jersey FOOLS, presented the "Kegman" to both Chad Berg and Chad Snyder. This years addition to the kegman included the proud placement of an American flag, to be flown at the highest point, and the beginning of a new tradition, the hosting chapter or chapters are to affix their chapter coin to the Kegman. These two new additions will proudly be carried on as this great piece of FOOLS tradition makes it way around this great country.

The general session concluded with the  New England FOOLS presentation to host the FOOLS International 2009 convention. Andy "Sippy" Biron presented what the New England FOOLS in association with the Southern New England and Central Massachusetts FOOLS have planed for next year. Also announced are the tentative dates and location, June 24th - 28th in York Beach, Maine.This was followed by the retiring of the Colors by the joint Department Honor Guard.

To cap off one of the best FOOLS International Conventions to date, the host chapters set up one of the best pub crawls Downtown Seattle has ever seen. Starting at Fado Irish Pub, the group was lead into the pub by the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums. The next stop on the tour was The Owl ‘N Thistle and then back to Fado Irish Pub. Members adjourned with many hugs and good nights.