Hi Brothers.....my name is Russ....and I am a.... wait, wrong group....

Russ aka The Russman here. I am with Grant County #3 in Quincy. I have been chasing flames (with trucks that is) for the last 5 years or so. I am looking to start a new Chapter of FOOLS over in Central WA (From Moses Lake up to Wenatchee). Have been getting good feedback so far.....have been watching the board and reading mucho.

Look forward to diving into this scene...and talking with you folks with way more experience than I. Will be around Stay Safe

LT The Russman
http://www.gcfd3.net

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The Russman
Dry Side FOOL (getting started)

Hey Russ,

Great to have you on the boards! We don't have very many brothers from the eastside of the mountains on here.

As far as starting a new Chapter goes a few things to consider. The International does list a chapter semi close to you called the Southeast WA FOOLS that looks to be in the Ellensburg/Yakima area. Their website shows them as active, although I've never meet a member or remember ever seeing them here on these boards. Still you should look into that chapter and see if they are indeed active at all.

Second and even more important... I would STRONGLY recommend trying to get over to the westside and coming to one of our Chapter meetings. This will show you what its all about. There are several chapters to choose from, so that might make it a little easier to work into your schedule.

Puget Sound FOOLS will be meeting June 18th in Stanwood which is almost a straight shot over US-2

Southwest WA FOOLS will be meeting June 25th in Chehalis. A little farther for you, but this is a great group as well.

Northwest WA FOOLS are based in the Whatcom County area, and I'm sure will have a 2nd quarter meeting as well.

The Island FOOLS are also another option. Although they don't have anything on their calendar right now and haven't heard anything from them lately.

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Kevin O'Keefe

"Remember aggressiveness does not imply an unsafe advance or reckless disregard for operational safety. Aggressive is the opposite of passive; we must fight fires with determination..." - Ray McCormack

Thanx Kevin...

I did get in contact with Int'L I have also sent an email to to one listed from Eburg/YakiVegas (no reply)....

When I started thinking of this...I looked at geographical area...and the group of 8-12 depts out here in the Basin work fairly closely with mutual aid for medicals..and major wildlands...even a few structure fires I can think of...even the travel time is a lot closer for this area....thanx for the ideas...

As far as trying to make a meeting....never thought about that...but might need to try...I might be able to make the Puget Sound one work...maybe:)

Look forward to more ideas.

The Russman

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The Russman
Dry Side FOOL (getting started)

Hey Brother welcome to the forums. Good to hear from the dry side. I would echo the advice given by Kevin.

We would love to have you over to the next SWWA FOOLS meeting on the 25th. Stanwood is about 20 minutes closer for you than Chehalis but have you ever actually seen a sasquatch? Any questions or help needed don't hesitate to call. Enjoy!

Ryan Cox
SWWA FOOLS President
cox1997@hotmail.com
360-870-2088

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"Safety in regards to decision making is primarily about knowledge. When you have sufficient knowledge, your ability to make safer decisions is enhanced."

Ray McCormack

Russman, I e-mailed you back and hope that you got it. Don't hesitate give a holler if you need a hand, and like the brothers above stated, we would love to see you at our next Puget Sound chapter meeting on the 18th.

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Leatherly,

Chad
Ladder co. 72/Engine co. 94
Snohomish County, USA

Thanx Chad....Yes I got it. still trying to figure out if I can make the meeting....I have Saturday off...but I will be working all day on Friday....might be a tough one....

I will be calling you soon also Chad.....pick your brain a little and talk some. I appreciate everyones help.

The Russman

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The Russman
Dry Side FOOL (getting started)

Hey Russ,

Long time no see Brother, you never call you never write....hope all is well with you and your family....send me an email we'll catch up.

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Shane Smith
http://www.rescuecity.org

Character is what emerges from all the little things you were too busy to do yesterday, but did anyway.

hey Russ,

Good to see you on here! I know there is a Good chapter in Spokane (Inland NorthWest FOOLS) Us here with Island FOOLS and them, have done a few things with them and I know they like us need more dedicated and motivated fireman to help the chapter grow. That might be a option for you guys also, since it propably closer than having to come across the mountains. Dont get me wrong I would love to see more of you Eastes over on the left coast!!

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Brother from the Island,
Ryan
"Never give up, because the harder you fall the higher you will bounce"