The Fire Service Badge

Did you know?

Every Fire and Rescue Service in the UK has their own unique badge, which is based upon the eight pointed star that represents the cross of St. John. The eight points or 'tenets' are said to represent the knightly virtues of:

• Tact
• Gallantry
• Dexterity
• Observation
• Perseverance
• Loyalty
• Explicitness
• Sympathy

The origins of the eight pointed star can be traced back to the time of the Crusades in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The star originates from the Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Knights of Malta, and was used by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem during the Crusades against the Saracen's in the fight for the Holy land.

The Knights of Saint John were primarily a charitable, non-military organisation. A white or silver cross on a dark background was adopted by these knights or 'hospitallers' as they were known, because of their charity toward the sick and poor in setting up hospices and hospitals. Later, they did in fact assist the knights of the crusades with their goodwill and also military assistance in an effort to win back the Holy Land. They encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but a horrible device of war, it wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracen's weapon was fire. As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.
Many members were called upon to perform heroic deeds, such as rescue fellow Knights and extinguish fires. Thus, these men became our first fire-fighters and the first of a long list of courageous fire-fighters. In acknowledgement of this bravery, these Knights wore a Maltese Cross that was inscribed with their actions. It is therefore likely that this is where the association of the Maltese Cross with firefighters was born.

Use by Fire Services

Wherever the line between myth and truth lies is not exactly known, but it can perhaps be said without contradiction, that the Maltese Cross and also any derivatives are regarded as a symbol of protection and courage. It does, perhaps, in simple terms identify with the fact that the firefighter who wears the badge could, and sometimes do, lay down his/her life for others in the same way as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives so many years ago. Quite when the star was first used in this country for the badge of a firefighter is not easy to establish. One of the earliest example found is the brass eight pointed star adopted for use by the National Fire Brigades Association in 1887. This Association was, prior to the formation of the National Fire Service in 1942, one of the main organisations that existed nationally and who provided many of the uniform, medal, rules, training and technical standards for fire brigades throughout the country.

Auxiliary Fire Service

In 1938 when the Auxiliary Fire Service was formed, the Home Office adopted the eight pointed star and then, upon the formation of the National Fire Service in 1942, the same pattern was used with the top 'tenet' being the King's Crown.

In March 1948, just prior to the formation of the new Local Authority Brigades, the Home Office published a National Fire Service Circular detailing the new rank markings and style of cap badge which was to be based on the chromium eight pointed star with the centre being of a design specific to each individual fire brigade.

The eight pointed star remains the symbol of the fire and rescue service today and all services across the country incorporate the design into their badge.