Snowtown Fools

06/04/2026

All proceeds of this fundraiser are paid directly to Assistant Chief James Keel to support medical expenses during his battle against cancer. Assistant Chief James Keel of the West Lakes Fire Department in Alaska has been serving his community as a volunteer, on-call, and full-time emergency respond...

13/03/2026

On March 11, Senator Susan Collins (ME) introduced S. 4051, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. The legislation directs the U.S. Treasury Department to mint commemorative coins, emblematic of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
After expenses, proceeds from coin sales would support the NFFF’s programs and initiatives in support of the nation’s Fire Hero Families, at no cost to the federal government. Joining Senator Collins as original cosponsors are Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Gary Peters (MI), all co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.
Similar legislation, H.R. 2257, was introduced by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-7) on March 21, 2025.
https://www.firehero.org/2026/03/11/national-fallen-firefighters-memorial-coin-act-introduced-in-senate/

27/02/2026

FOOLS is one of the most visible firefighter organizations in North America, known for its emphasis on tradition, training and fireground competence

15/01/2026

Our new rep for the West Coast! Glad to have you Brother.

The FOOLS International would like to welcome Brother Steve Walsh as our new Region 1 (West Coast) Regional Representative!

We would also like to thank Rob Fisher for his years of service in that role and all he has done for the FOOLS International!

Steve has some big shoes to fill (pun intended) but we know he is a FOOL through and through and will do a great job!

Here is a little bit about Brother Walsh:

My fire service career spans 32 years. I started as a volunteer in Seabeck Wa. for Fire District #1 in Oct of 1994. I was 20 yrs old and then became a resident in Silverdale Wa for Fire district one in april of 1995. I was an instructor for our county fire academy from 1995-1996 and then attended the State Fire Academy in North Bend for class 97-2. I worked for Fire district one as a resident until 2000 when I moved to Mukilteo Wa. Where I was a volunteer fire fighter until 2008 when I got hired full time.

In 2010 I had the opportunity to become a FOOL with the Puget Sound FOOLS as I was sponsored by Darby Hepper and since then I have been a charter member in good standing since. In 2017 I became the Merchandise Trustee where I have been serving since. There is nothing that makes me happier than being a FOOL. Knowing that anywhere in the nation I can be and call on the FOOLS and they will be there.

In 2017 I made the hard choice to start over and lateraled to Lynnwood Fire Department which was a neighboring department. In 2019 the Lynwood fire department and Fire District #1 became South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue where I have been currently serving as a promoted D/O and Acting Captain.

In 2025 I was selected to be a Company Officer in our 2025-1 class in the county fire academy. For me this was a tremendous opportunity because being a student of the “Old School” fire service, it gave me the opportunity to learn what we do, why we do, and why we teach what we do to the new recruits. For me it made me stronger in my position.

I am now inside my last 5 years of service and am so excited to be able to serve as the West Coast Rep for the International FOOLS. I can’t think of doing anything else than being a servant to the fire service and to the Brotherhood of the FOOLS.

I’m. 52 years old. Been married now for 12 years. We are a blended family and have 3 boys. My oldest and youngest are mine biologically and adopted my wife sone Brendan in 2012. Funny thing is is that all three boys are true lefties and my wife and are not. My oldest is following in my footsteps and working part time for two local fire departments. My middle boy has been working for Ford for the last two years as a mechanic and is looking at getting into fire mechanics. My youngest is still in school and says he wants to be a fireman as well. If I can get three boys into the trades I think my wife and I rate doing something correct.

18/12/2025

🚨👀The 2026 FOOLS International Convention itinerary is out!

You’re not going to want to miss this one! The Muddy River FOOLS have a great week planned!

Registration opens in January 🤘

17/12/2025

We are absolutely heartbroken for the loss of our Farthest North FOOLS Brother Daniel Rawson. Daniel was a close friend to our chapter and over the last several years we developed a close bond with him. He was a staple at our annual state fire conferences and attended several trainings here in Valdez. He was always looking for ways to better himself and the fire service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our FNF family in Fairbanks. Please consider donating to the go fund me to help his family during this difficult time. RFB-KTF

13/12/2025

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our Brother and ASFA member, Chief Chad Cameron. Chief Cameron has no doubt about it, made and indelible mark on the fire service and will be missed by us all. Below are the details for Chief Cameron’s memorial service. RFB

11/11/2025

📣 Announcing Firefighter 1 Academy! 🚒
Excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in fire service or becoming more involved with local fire department.

Registration Deadline: December 19th!

05/09/2025

Welcome to Valdez Jonah!

Please help us welcome Jonah Funderburg to the Valdez Fire Department!
Jonah joins us as a Fire Engineer after relocating from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He loves the outdoors—hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing—and is excited to start his new adventure here in Alaska.
Welcome to the team, Jonah! 🔥 🚒

30/08/2025

Join us on September 11th as we pause and remember the fallen.

We invite you to join us on September 11th as we stand together in remembrance to pay tribute to those lost on 9/11/2001.

03/08/2025

02/08/2025

Happy birthday to our fearless leader!