Information we collect
When you submit a membership application, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, fire department, state, rank, fire-service status, previous chapter, FOOLS ID number, application type, and the attestations or communication choices shown on the form.
The site may also receive limited technical information needed to operate and protect the form, such as submission time, request identifiers, browser information, and security or abuse-prevention signals.
How we use information
We use submitted information to:
- review new membership applications;
- contact applicants about their application or chapter status;
- create or connect a Platoon account after email verification;
- maintain chapter membership and dues records;
- send optional text updates when separate consent is provided; and
- secure, troubleshoot, and improve the application process.
Creating or connecting a Platoon account does not by itself approve a Brew City membership application or confirm payment or good standing.
Text messaging privacy
Text-message consent is optional and is not a condition of membership. Mobile information and messaging consent will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.
We may use service providers acting on our behalf to deliver messages, operate the membership system, prevent abuse, or comply with law. They may use the information only to provide those services or meet legal obligations. See the Terms of Use for messaging frequency, rates, and opt-out instructions.
When information is shared
Information may be available to authorized Brew City officers who review applications or administer membership. Platoon and other contracted providers may process information only as needed to host, secure, communicate, or operate the approved workflow. This public website does not collect payment details.
We may also disclose information when required by law, to protect the chapter or others, or as part of an organizational transition where appropriate privacy protections remain in place.
Retention and security
We keep information only as long as reasonably needed for membership, recordkeeping, dispute resolution, security, and legal obligations. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards, but no internet transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.
Your choices
You may decline optional text messages and still submit an application. If you opt in, reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. You may also contact the chapter to ask about access, correction, or deletion of information, subject to records the chapter must retain.
Other websites and updates
Links to Platoon, FOOLS International, social networks, and other services are governed by their own privacy practices. We may update this policy as the website or membership workflow changes. The effective date above identifies the current version.