The
Maltese cross is known around the world as a symbol of the fire service. It is
often seen painted on fire trucks, on the clothing of firefighters, depicted on
firefighters badges, and is quite often the chosen design of firefighter
tattoos. So where did the Maltese cross come from, and how did it get to be
known as a symbol of the fire service?
The Maltese cross is named after the island of Malta, which came to be the home
of the Knights of St. John. The Knights of St. John existed during the 11th and
12 centuries. The armor worn by the Knights covered their entire bodies as well
as their faces. Because of this it was often difficult for the knights to
recognize one another during battle. They realized they would need some type of
symbol that could be used to quickly and easily identify them selves. They
chose the Cross of Calvary, which would later be known as the Maltese cross.
During the Crusades, the enemies of the nights commonly used fire as a weapon.
It was quite common for a Knight to have to risk his own life to save another
Knight or extinguish a fire.
The Knights of St. John were also known for their care of the sick and injured.
Combined with their abilities to fight fires, and the pride and honor they took
in their work, the Maltese cross seems a fitting symbol of the modern fire
service. Firefighting is a proud profession, and only a symbol of pride would
exemplify the work of a firefighter.
