The symbol of an eight pointed cross originated during the eleventh century. This cross was used by a group of Knights who served in a Jerusalem hospital. They were known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller. They later became the Knights of St. John. This Order of Knights dedicated themselves towards caring for the sick, charity for the poor, and the establishment of hospitals. They adopted a cross that was silver on a dark background.…..but why?

During combat, Knights wore heavy armor, much like the modern day firefighter wears bunker gear. The need for an identifying symbol was necessary in order to distinguish between friend or foe. This system of identification became crucial when the Knights of St. John assisted the Knights of the Crusades in their effort to defend the Holy Land from the Saracens. The Saracens were nomadic Arabs of the Middle Ages. Their Empire became powerful around the eighth century. Their goal was to dominate politics and religion the world over.

This is where the connection between the fire service and the Maltese Cross begins. During the fight for the Holy Land, the Saracens introduced a new weapon. This weapon was fire. The Byzantines used this form of combat on the Saracens three centuries before. The Emperor Constantine IV used what was called “Greek Fire” on the Saracens. This Greek Fire was a flammable gel composed of naphtha, sulfur, and quicklime. The Saracens used this gel on the Knights of St. John as they attacked city walls. The gel was placed in glass bottles and hurled at the Knights. Once saturated, the Saracens would throw torches and set them ablaze. Hundreds were burned alive. Other Knights rushed in to save their brothers from the horrors of that fate. Many were called upon to extinguish fires and to rescue fellow Knights who were trapped. The Knights of St. John became history’s first firefighters and began a long tradition of heroism and bravery.

In 1530, Pope Clement VII approved the Island of Malta as territory for the Knights of St. John. The symbol they placed on their flag, the eight point cross, became known as the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is worn by San Antonio Firefighters on their shoulder patch. When the rank of F.A.O. is achieved, the badge changes to a Maltese Cross. This is not just a rank insignia but a badge of honor and courage and symbolizes the firefighter’s dedication to saving lives from the horrors of fire…..just as the Knights of St. John centuries before.