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MALTESE CROSS
The badge of a firefighter is the Maltese Cross. This Maltese Cross
is a symbol of protection and 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 a horrible device of war, it wrought excruciating pain
and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The
Saracen’s weapon was fire.
As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck
by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with
the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch
into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others
risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying
painful, fiery deaths.
Thus, these men became our first firefighters and the first of a
long list courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were
recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each here a badge of
honor - a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today. Since
the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a
little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came
to be known as the Maltese Cross.
The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the
fireman who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you
just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so
many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a firefighters badge of honor,
signifying that he or she works in courage - a ladder rung away from
death.
THE DALMATIAN
The Dalmatian’s affinity for horses led them to their well-known
name "Coach Dog" or "Carriage Dog." Their ability and agility to run
between the carriage wheels and the horses hoofs and their stamina
to run great distances made them ideal for traveling long and far
with with a coach. They guided the horses through the streets and
guarded the occupants of the coach against the notorious
highwayman.
This ability to run with horse and carriage is the reason the
Dalmatian was so widely used with the fire carriage of yesteryear.
They would carefully and aptly guide the firemen through streets of
busy traffic. In addition, it was observed that Dalmatians formed an
amazingly tight bond with horses.
Today, with no horse-drawn carriages for fire trucks, the Dalmatian
has become the firehouse mascot. Contrary to popular belief, the
Dalmatian was not used because he could see through smoke or because
he liked the color red, but because he was a useful tool in guiding
the carriages. The Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God - wherever flame may rage, give me the strength
to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child, before it is too late; or save an older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to
put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me; to guard my every
neighbor, and protect his property.
And if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your
protecting hand my children and my wife.
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