When firefighters from the local 509 F.O.O.L.S. chapter couldn’t get together for their usual training and socializing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they quickly pivoted their energies and launched a food drive. Over the last week of March, firefighters from area departments collected 901 pounds, nearly a half ton, of food to donate to 2nd Harvest.

F.O.O.L.S. (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society) International is an organization for firefighters started in 1995 in central Florida. Chapters host events to focus on training, firemanship, and camaraderie.

509 FOOLS, the Spokane County chapter, operates year-round with quarterly meetings and “open gyms” for firefighters to practice skills such as hose handling or ladder throwing. Once a year, the chapter hosts a training event and brings in an outside group or individual for hands-on instruction and participation. The 509 FOOLS has members from SVFD, Spokane Fire Department, Fire District 8, and Fire District 9.