Hook and Irons
Where We Stand October 25 2012, 0 Comments
Today, just over a month after the launch of Hook & Irons we have been overwhelmed by the support received from the firefighting community. We've made connections and friends in ways we would've never suspected, and received help in the most unlikely places.
Most surprising though is the support we've received from non-firefighters, friends of firefighters, and people who just appreciate the fire service. The thing about firefighters is we are a tight bunch and can be pretty exclusionary. Once we become firefighters and join the brotherhood those around us that we love often find themselves on the outside of our war stories and inside jokes. They get a glimpse into our lives and our passion, but they don't necessarily get the 'invite' to be a member.
What we're discovering is that Hook & Irons Co. is for everyone who loves the fire service. It's for everyone who respects the best of who we are and what our profession represents. And when Digital Arts magazine interviewed Tom Lane about our brand we were blown away. It's not just the firefighters that are H&I company members, but graphic artists, history lovers and people who just dig the designs, the brand, and what we all stand for.
And that is what makes us most proud. If you'd like to read the article in Digital Arts, you can click here.
Pay It Forward September 20 2012, 0 Comments
Hook and Irons Co. was born with one philosophy, pay it forward. Our idea was simple; we would help the fire service reconnect with its history using the tenets of early American craftsmanship to build our apparel line. Through meaningful, simple designs, we are creating shirts that are more than shirts, they are historical threads and conversation pieces. Whether you are active, retired, volunteer or just someone who loves the spirit of the American fire service, we want you to feel proud wearing our clothing. Firefighter or not, being a part of the brotherhood is as simple as knowing where we, as Americans come from and honoring that feeling everyday of our lives.
Recently, we received an e-mail that made us proud and re-affirmed our belief in the Hook & Irons project:
" Thank you for making something that makes me feel like I'm still part of the brotherhood. I spent 10 years as a volunteer helping other people because of things I witnessed in my youth. I was not motivated by the paycheck but doing my part of being a responsible human being.
When my time with the fire service was done, I felt like I was on the outside. Sometimes hearing the comments from active firefighters has been very disheartening.
Then one day something happened. I was walking through a store and a young man walked up to me and said, " You don't remember me but you saved my life. At that moment every sore muscle and sleepless night I had on the job was worth it. I do remember you Eddie! I told him. Never in my life did I ever feel so humbled. God saved Eddie that day, I was the tool he used.
-Paul
Paul served on Engine 7474 as a firefighter / EMT at Coloma Lotus Volunteer Fire Department California 