what is the Thug of the month?

The original plug ugly firefighters of the 1800's knew that providing for their families meant they had to protect their plug. The crew that worked by their sides relied on them as well, so they had to be at the top of their game and always be ready for a fight.

Here at Plug Ugly Leather, we want to honor those that we feel are everyday modern Plug Thugs. While nowadays we may not have to stand guard over our water supplies, the battles each of us face on a daily basis are just as important.

We want to invite you to nominate the men and women that you know aren’t afraid to get dirty to protect what matters most to them. These are the men and women that strive to ensure the people around them are healthy, not just physically but mentally as well. They are the ones doing their best to ensure things are left in better shape than the way they found them. They aren’t afraid to speak up and stand for their ideals. At the end of the day they’re the ones you know will do the right thing.

Each month we will collect the nominations we have received. The names and Identifying information will be removed and the nominations will be forwarded on to our independent selection panel. The panel consists of 3 males and 3 females from all over the US. The panel will be tasked with selecting 1 person who they feel models what it is to be a Plug Thug. In the event of a tie a tie breaking vote will be cast by a non panel member.

If you think you know someone who has what it takes to be a Plug Thug, let us know by either submitting your nomination through the form below or sending an email to ThugOfTheMonth@pluguglyleather.com. Be sure to include some information as to why you feel they should be our next Thug Of The Month. We are looking to know who they are not just on the job but off the job as well.

The honoree will be featured here on or website (anonymously if they so choose). Each recognised Thug Of The Month will receive something honoring and thanking them for doing the right thing.

We recognise there are people doing the right thing in all walks of life. As such it is not our desire to limit nominations to any certain career field. If you know someone you think deserves to be honored but they are not connected to the fire service, please nominate them. We promise you all nominations will be given the same thought and consideration.