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.

Maltese Cross research was compiled by Shirley Sheridan with the assistance of the following fire service
chaplains:

Denny Burris, Dallas Fire Department
Wayne Collins, Houston Fire Department
Ed Stauffer, Retired, Fort Worth Fire Department