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.