EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT -

HISTORY OF THE MALTRESE CROSS

The Maltese Cross is the symbol for the fire service and represents the ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires.

The Maltese Cross has its origins going back to the era of the Crusades and is named after the island of Malta which came to be the home of the Knights of St. John which existed during the 11th and 12th centuries. Because of the extensive armor which covered their entire bodies and faces, the Knights needed a symbol to distinguish friend from foe in battle. They chose the Cross of Calvary, which would later be known as the Maltese Cross, as their symbol because the Crusades were battles fought for a holy cause. During these battles, the enemies of the knights commonly used fire as a weapon. As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naptha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Sacracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive and it was not uncommon for a Knight to have to risk his own life to extinguish a fire or rescue a comrade. Thus, these men became known as firemen, the first of a long line of courageous firefighters.

Because of their ability to fight fires, and the pride and honor they take in the care of their sick and injured, the Maltese Cross evolved into a fitting symbol of the modern fire service. It’s eight points have come to represent the principals of charity, chivalry, loyalty, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe, dexterity of service, and protection of the weak. It is a Firefighters badge of honor, signifying that he/she is willing to lay down their life with the ability to work at death’s front door.