The international symbol of the fire service is the eight-point Maltese Cross. It is a symbol of sacrifice and protection for mankind patterned after the Cross of Jesus Christ. It a badge of courage and honor and its story is hundreds of years old. The origin of the Firefighters Maltese Cross can be traced to an 11th Century order called "The Knights Hospitallers," who served in a Jerusalem hospital located next to the church of Saint John the Baptist. The Knights Hospitallers became known for their outstanding care given for the sick and their service and compassion for the poor. Many people who were healed of their wounds and sickness while in care of the Knights gave large sums of money and property to the order in appreciation for their service. As a result, the order grew to become one of the most powerful and respected order of knights.

The badge of Kinghts Hospitaller was a white cross of eight points on a black background. The Knights received the cross as a symbol of their vow to serve. Later, the order became known as the Knights of Saint John. History tells us that when the Knights of Saint John went to battle against a group of warriors known as the Saracens, they encountered a new, unknown weapon. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon brave fighters of the cross. The Sacarens weapon was fire.

As the Knights of Saint John advanced on the walls of the Sacaren city, they were struck by glass bombs containing Naphtha. When the Knights became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled flaming torches in the midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive while other Knights risked their lives to save their brothers from the fiery death.

In 1530, the entire island of Malta was given to this courageous order of Knights. The symbol on their flag was the eight point cross of the Hospitaller, which later became known as the "Maltese Cross." It became the most heralded and honored symbol of all the orders of the European Knights. It is used today as the ultimate symbol of heroism in service by many governments and societies.

The Maltese Cross was rightly selected as the international symbol of the fire service. It is a sacred emblem. Its origin is holy. It tells the story of God's service to man and man's service to God.

The eight points represent the following: 

Are you really interested in learning about the cross?                                                 If so, click on the above if you dare!