Symbolism of the Firefighter Emblem (Maltese & Florian Cross)

Chris HuntAbout the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

The firefighter emblem symbolizes honor, bravery, courage, and integrity. It frequently appears as the Maltese or Florian cross.

People around the world use this cross as the symbol of firefighters. We will take this article to dive into what the cross is, what it symbolizes, and how firefighters use it.

As you’ll see, it’s got a long (and sometimes debated) history. But today, we all come together to use it for the same reason: it’s a sign of pride in the work firefighters do and a symbol that holds firefighters’ brotherhood worldwide.

What is the Firefighter Cross?

People usually refer to it as the Maltese Cross or St. Florian Cross.

While the firefighter cross’s shape closely resembles the St Florian cross, it looks like the Maltese Cross.

While the Maltese and St Florian crosses are different, they have a lot of similarities in meaning. It’s even believed the more modern Maltese Cross is derivative of, the older St Florian cross.

So, you’ll find firefighters legitimately use both names to talk about the ‘symbol of firefighters’ worldwide. While the St Florian cross appears to be the ‘real’ cross (as it is the Patron Saint of Firefighters), both are used and accepted.

For example, the International Association of Firefighters [1] employs the St. Florian Cross. Still, the Country Fire Authority of Victoria, Australia [2] uses the Maltese Cross as their ‘Fire Service Star.’

Fire Truck

What is the History of the St. Florian Cross?

The St. Florian Cross came before the Maltese Cross [3]. It’s known that its name came after a 3rd or 4th-century commander in the Roman army. His job was to organize the firefighters of the province of Noricum, which he commanded. He was certainly not the first firefighter, but he was beloved by the people for his civic service and his servitude to Jesus. He commanded the first organized firefighting contingent within the Roman army.

St. Florian’s death was not a nice one, though. He was known for refusing to enforce the anti-Christian laws of the time. In addition, he declined to give the old Roman gods a sacrificial gift when a lord gave him a direct order, so he drowned!

Many centuries later, he was named a saint and has become the patron saint of firefighters.

St Florian’s cross is his symbol. It is an eight-pointed star with rounded edges and is the cross that looks most like the crosses on firefighter emblems today.

What is the History of the Maltese Cross?

The Maltese Cross dates back to the Crusades of the 14th Century.

Legend says that the Knights of St John were in a close battle with the Saracens for the holy land when they were doused in fire by the Saracens. The Saracens lobbed glass bombs of naphtha and lit it, watching the Knights burn alive.

The Knights’ battle against the Saracens quickly became a battle to extinguish the fire engulfing their comrades.

The heroic efforts of the Knights to put out the fire led to widespread recognition of their ability to fight against fire. As a result, these Knights got a badge of honor with an emblazed eight-pointed cross.

As these Knights hailed from Malta, the cross they got for their firefighting efforts was named the ‘Maltese Cross.’

It is not a long bow to draw to assume the cross-handed to these Knights from Malta was a variation of St Florian’s cross.

So what does the Cross Symbolize?

The Maltese Cross symbolizes:

  • Willingness to protect and lay down your life to protect and save others.
  • Courage, Gallantry, and Loyalty to your brothers and community.
  • .Sympathy for others.
  • Perseverance against the odds.
  • Explicitness (being clear and upfront)
  • Dexterity (the physical ability to do complex tasks)
  • Tact (the mindfulness and skill to complete the tasks)
  • Observational Skills.

Maltese Cross on a Cup

How is the Firefighter Cross used today?

The firefighter cross appears on most cities’ firefighter emblems. In addition, you’ll see it on their trucks, helmets, and above the front door to the fire station.

But there are plenty of other places you might find the cross.

One excellent place where I’ve seen it is on a firefighter’s cuff links. So next time you’re at a formal ball or event where firefighters are attending, check out their cuff links – there’s a good chance you’ll see the Maltese Cross.

If you’re ever going to buy a gift for a firefighter, you’ll find that there are tons with the emblem emblazoned on them. One of my favorites is specialized rescue knives with the Maltese cross on the handle. These knives are often created especially for firefighters – with car rescue multi-tools built into the blades. So the addition of the emblem on them works a treat.

Other tools containing emblems include specialized firefighter flashlights designed to work well in smoke and even technical firefighter gloves. Firefighters regularly need NFPA-approved firefighting gloves that can withstand the heat and rigor of fire duties. The emblazoning of the firefighter emblem on this gear gives it a personalized feel. It shows the equipment is made specifically for a firefighter.

Are there Rules for Who can and can’t Wear It?

No, there isn’t a particular rule book. Although, if you’re a firefighter, you might find that your fire department might have its own rules specific to you and your place of employment.

Nonetheless, society generally accepts that firefighters should uphold the symbolism and values of the firefighter cross at all times, especially when they’ve got it on their person!

Courteous behaviors consistent with the cross include:

  • Avoid cursing. To act with honor is to speak to people with respect.
  • Represent your Brotherhood. When you’re wearing the cross, you’re representing all firefighters. You are claiming that you are a member of the firefighting service. Therefore, you should show people the true character of firefighters.
  • Defend the Vulnerable. One of the most honorable tasks of the fire service is that it serves all people equally. When you see people in need, you, as a firefighter, step in to defend them.
  • Respect your Community. Firefighters form part of the backbone of any community. Please do not speak ill of the community while wearing the emblem, as it reflects poorly on the whole profession.

At the end of the day, while there aren’t any particular rules to follow when wearing the cross, you’ll look like a bit of a hypocrite if you’re not sticking to its values while also flaunting it.

Final Thoughts

The Firefighter cross – no matter who came up with it – is today a great symbol of pride and brotherhood. It is a badge that brings together all the firefighters’ best values, so they wear it with great satisfaction.

But, those who wear it must be mindful of the heritage and tradition of the cross and the men and women it represents. They must pass its values from generation to generation of firefighters who stand in the line of fire to keep the rest of us safe.

Sources

  1. International Association of Firefighters
  2. Country Fire Authority of Victoria
  3. St Florian Cross Image (used under Wikimedia Commons License)