DEPARTMENT OF FIRE RESCUE
THE HISTORY OF THE FIREFIGHTER'S MALTESE CROSS

by Shirley Sheridan
The eight-point
Maltese Cross is the international symbol of the fire service's willingness
to make great sacrifices in order to protect others from the ravages of
fire. It is a badge of courage and honor and it story is hundreds of years
old.
This honored symbol
originated with a group of eleventh century knights who were serving in a
Jerusalem hospital. They became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller
and later became the Knights of St. John. This charitable organization cared
for the ill with great compassion.
Later, they assisted
the Knights of the Crusades in their effort to win back the Holy Land. As
the Knights of St. John and Knights of the Crusades attacked the city walls,
the Saracens first threw glass bombs containing highly flammable liquids and
then flaming torches. Many knights were severely burned, some suffering
agonizing deaths. Risking horrible death, those knights who were able
struggled desperately to help their burning comrades, beating out the flames
and dragging them to safety. In acknowledgment of their heroic deeds of
rescuing fellow knights and fighting fires, the cross they wore was
decorated and inscribed.
In 1530, the Island
of Malta was given to the courageous knights. The symbol on their flag, the
eight-point cross, became known as the "Maltese Cross." The cross, which had
originally helped the knights distinguish between friend and foe, became the
ultimate symbol of heroism and service. The cross, which is considered
sacred, represents the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry,
generosity to friend and foe, protection of the weak and dexterity in
service.
Today, firefighters
wear the Maltese Cross to symbolize their willingness to risk their lives to
save others from the ravages of fire. The Maltese Cross is also the symbol
used by St John Ambulance across the world. This is an organization that
developed out of the crusades, and has been known as the Nights of St John.
In Australia, St John Ambulance is a First Aid organization involved in
teaching and performing first aid. Most members are volunteers although in
some states they still run the primary ambulance services. |