06/12/2026
Firefighters from the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department have officially launched the Cherokee strip FOOLS, a new local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS), an international organization dedicated to promoting pride, tradition, brotherhood, and training within the fire service.
Named in recognition of the region's historic Cherokee Strip, the chapter was organized in February 2026 and currently includes 10 members. Membership is open to career, volunteer, part-time, and retired firefighters.
Although Arkansas City previously had a FOOLS chapter, organizers said reviving the organization creates new opportunities to strengthen fire service traditions while expanding training opportunities for firefighters across the region.
"We wanted to start something we can control ourselves that is separate from the City," said Logon French, lieutenant/AEMT and founding board member of the Cherokee Strip FOOLS. "It's something that we run, that we're proud of, that helps give us pride, tradition, and honor in our profession. We wanted something that brings firefighters together and pushes us to be better."
The organization operates independently and does not require City funding. Members pay $100 in annual dues, which support training opportunities and chapter activities. Funds may be used to bring outside instructors to Arkansas City, offset costs associated with specialized training courses, purchase training materials or equipment, and support initiatives that promote pride, tradition, and brotherhood within the fire service. The City of Arkansas City allows the chapter to utilize training facilities and equipment for voluntary, off-duty training sessions.
"If we bring somebody in for training, our members can attend because they're paying dues," French said. "But we also want firefighters from other departments to have the opportunity to participate. It's about helping improve the fire service across our area."
Organizers have also established a fitness standard designed to motivate members to maintain and improve their physical readiness.
"We wanted something people can strive for that pushes them forward," French said. "We noticed that in the fire service today, you apply for a job, get hired, and then you're in. We wanted something that encourages people to keep improving. Using the FOOLS gives us something to continually achieve and always better ourselves through knowledge and training."
Regarding the fitness component, French emphasized that the goal is motivation, not exclusivity.
"It's not super hard, and it's not unobtainable at all," French said. "I think anybody here could do it if they really tried. We wanted something to help drive people, so it's not just, 'You're in, congratulations.' We wanted members to have something to achieve and something to be proud of."
Firefighter/EMT Austin Billings said the organization's commitment to personal and professional growth motivated him to join.
"I'm going for more training and just to better myself as a firefighter as a whole and give back to our community," Billings said.
The chapter also aims to strengthen relationships among departments throughout Cowley County and surrounding communities.
"I think a good goal is uniting a lot of the departments — Arkansas City, Winfield, as well as volunteer departments throughout the county and surrounding areas," said Paramedic Jaxson Slater. "We want more training opportunities and something that drives us to continue improving ourselves as first responders and firefighters. When we better ourselves, the entire community benefits."
Shawn Dent, who serves full-time with the Winfield Fire Department and part-time with Arkansas City Fire/EMS, has not yet joined the Cherokee Strip FOOLS but is exploring membership after recognizing the chapter's potential to bring firefighters from different departments together.
"We work together so much, I don't understand why we don't train together more often," Dent said. "Having something countywide like this is awesome. It's an opportunity for all of us to work together, train together, and get better together."
The chapter has already hosted its first training session at the Arkansas City Fire/EMS training grounds and plans to continue offering realistic, scenario-based exercises designed to prepare firefighters for a variety of emergency situations.
"We're really trying to push ourselves beyond typical day-to-day training," French said. "The goal is to prepare firefighters for anything that comes across their path."
Arkansas City Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom praised the firefighters for their commitment to professional development and service.
"These guys have stepped up above and beyond and held themselves to a much higher standard than what you would see in a typical day-to-day shift," Cassaboom said. "It's beneficial to Arkansas City because we have better firefighters. They're doing this on their own time because they want to give back to the community and make sure they're part of a professional department, not just a department."
Beyond training, organizers hope the chapter will strengthen connections among current and retired firefighters and preserve the traditions that define the profession.
"We wanted something that can bring everyone together and help keep the fire service family connected," French said. "Rather than just working, retiring, and drifting apart, we want to maintain those relationships and traditions."
Founded in Florida in the 1990s, the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society is an international organization with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and South America.
