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Here is the patch worn proudly by our members and
the symbol of our dedication and excellence.
Patch collectors:
Interested in trading patches?
Will swap a patch for your fire department patch.
Include the name of the department, county and state.
Contact Asst. Chief
Bill Lovell
Origin of the Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection-a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of
years old. When a courageous band of crusaders, known as the Knights of St. John, fought
the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to
European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war; it wrought excruciating
pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters of the Cross. The Saracens' weapon was
fire!
As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were attacked by glass bombs
containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the
Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive.
Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful deaths. Thus,
these men became the first fire fighters...and the first of a long list of courageous Fire
Fighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero
with a badge of honor, a cross similar to the one Fire Fighters wear today.
Since the Knights of St. John lived for nearly four centuries on a little island in the
Mediterranean Sea, named Malta, the Cross became known as the Maltese Cross. The Maltese
Cross is a symbol of protection. It means that the fire fighter that wears this Cross is
willing to lay down his life, just as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their
fellow men so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a Fire Fighter's Badge of Courage... a
ladder-rung away from death.
 Last Updated: 12/13/04
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