Maltese Cross Meaning In The Fire Service

Florian cross is oftentimes confused for the maltese cross.

Maltese cross meaning in the fire service. The cross known as the fire service star is also used by country fire authority in victoria as an official symbol. Prudence temperance justice and fortitude. The insignia of the fire service is the cross pattee nowy otherwise known as the maltese cross. The maltese cross is the very familiar red center circle with four shapes emanating from the center.

Often confused with the maltese cross the florian cross is what a majority of fire departments use. Several municipalities in spain also use the eight pointed cross on their. The maltese cross like we ve established symbolized a special breed of men and women that take the motto for the service of mankind as a way of life. The badge of a fireman is the st.

The cross represents the fire service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires. Florian cross oftentimes mistakenly called the maltese cross. It can be seen on uniform hats and on long service and outstanding service badges. Two dutch towns ermelo and montfoort use the eight pointed cross on their flags and the former on its coat of arms also.

Many people ask us what the connection is between the fire service and that maltese cross. It carries the same eight point structure as the maltese cross but has rounded edges. So in this article we re going to do a deep dive into what the cross is what it symbolizes and how it s actually used. It s universally agreed upon that the four arms of the cross are indicative of the cardinal virtues.

This cross is almost universally used as the symbol of firefighters around the world.