Origin and History of the Maltese Cross

The Badge of a Firefighter is the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection, honor, and service to others.

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 called Naphtha. Naphtha or ‘Liquid Fire’ can take on various forms making it difficult to extinguish, incredibly adhesive, and ignited by water. Upon ignition this simple, but horrible device brought excruciating pain and agonizing death.

As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing Naphtha. Once saturated with this highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming torch into their midst. While 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 the first Firefighters. These Knights adorned their clothing and armor with a cross to recognize and be recognized as having experience with Fire and dedication in their service to others. 

The Knights of St. John have called many places home over the last thousand years, of which nearly 400 were on the Mediterranean island of Malta.  As such the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.