The Maltese Cross... or Is It the St. Florian Cross? 🔥

Walk into any firehouse, check out a patch, or glance at a helmet shield, and you’ll likely spot some version of the cross-shaped emblem we associate with the fire service. But ask around, and you’ll hear two different names for it — St. Florian’s Cross and the Maltese Cross. So which one is it?

Turns out, both symbols have deep historical roots in bravery and sacrifice — and each has earned its place in the legacy of firefighting.

🛡️ St. Florian’s Cross: The Original Firefighter

Let’s rewind to the 4th century. Saint Florian was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army stationed in what’s now Austria. But he wasn’t just a soldier — he organized and led one of the first elite firefighting brigades in the empire. His men weren’t just trained to fight — they were trained to save, protecting Roman citizens from the devastating fires that plagued early cities.

Florian later faced persecution for refusing to worship Roman gods and was executed for his Christian faith. He was eventually canonized as a saint, and to this day, St. Florian is considered the patron saint of firefighters. His cross — typically seen with rounded arms — became a symbol of service, sacrifice, and protection.

✝️ The Maltese Cross: Born in Battle, Forged in Fire

Jump ahead to the 11th century. The Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, were a brotherhood of warriors who defended Jerusalem during the Crusades. These knights were known for their courage — especially during battles where their enemies used fire as a weapon.

To recognize their bravery, the knights were given the island of Malta, and their symbol — an eight-pointed cross — became known as the Maltese Cross. Over time, the fire service adopted this symbol as a badge of honor, reflecting the same values: courage, sacrifice, and commitment to saving others at great personal risk.

🚒 More Than a Symbol — A Legacy

Whether your department rocks the St. Florian’s Cross or the Maltese Cross, the meaning remains the same: selfless service and unwavering courage.

As the FDNY says, “The Maltese Cross is a firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage—a ladder rung away from death.”

At The Fire Center, we’re proud to stand behind the traditions that define our profession. These symbols aren’t just logos — they’re legacies. And if you wear one, you carry that tradition every shift.