The Maltese Cross

Identified by its eight points that extend outward and form four separate petals, the Maltese Cross is the universal symbol of the fire service. It is said that the four petals of the Maltese Cross represent courage, bravery, compassion, and loyalty to duty. But where did this badge of honor come from and how did it become the symbol of the firefighter?

According to several websites, during the 11th century, there existed an order known as the “Knights Hospitallers.” This Order was recognized for the service it provided through a Jerusalem hospital located next to the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Those who vowed service to the Order wore a badge that consisted of an eight-pointed white cross against a black background.

This charitable organization shared the compassion and willingness to help others as do today’s firefighters. As history progressed, the Knights Hospitallers evolved into the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, a courageous band of crusaders who battled the Saracens for possession of the Holy Lands. Later, they assisted the Knights of Crusaders in their effort to win back the Holy Land.

In one pivotal battle, after the Saracens had captured the city of Jerusalem, the Knights of Saint John and Knights of Crusaders advanced on the city walls. The Saracens staged an aggressive attack by hurling fire bombs containing naphtha, a highly flammable liquid, into the Knights’ midst. The Saracens then flung flaming torches into the midst of the advancing Knights, with the horrible intent of burning the Knights into defeat. The Knights banded together to fight the flames of their attackers and save their brothers-in-arms from an agonizing death. It was during this intense fire fight that the courage of our firefighting ancestors was demonstrated. The Knights risked life and limb for their brothers and fought the flames to save many fellow Knights. Thus, these men became our first firemen and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters.

The heroic efforts of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem were recognized by a badge of honor similar to that worn by modern day fire service personnel. In fact, in 1530 the entire Island of Malta, where the Knights of Saint John had resided for nearly four centuries, was provided to this courageous Order of the Knights, in addition to being adorned with the eight-point cross previously worn by the Hospitallers. That cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross – the symbol of the modern day fire service.

The Maltese Cross is a well-known symbol of the fire service. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his or her life, just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many centuries ago. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter’s badge of honor, signifying that he or she works in courage – a ladder rung away from death.