The Maltese Cross that is seen integrated in to patches and emblems throughout the fire service is a symbol of protection. The cross represents the shield used by St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.

In fact the emblem would be more accurately described as "St. Florian's Shield." It only slightly resembles a true Maltese Cross, although that is what is has become known as.

St. Florian is known as the patron saint of firefighters. Legend has it that he saved a city from burning in the 8th century, possibly by using beer to douse the flames. His shield is widely used in the Fire Service.

In addition to organizing firefighters, he was also a military leader who refused an order to help eradicate Christianity by offering human sacrifices to the pagan roman gods.

This is perhaps the most famous depiction of St. Florian. Interestingly, his shield is not pictured.

The Fireman's Prayer was written in 1958 by a man named A.W. "Smokey" Linn. The prayer was published in a book entitled "A Celebration of Poets" that same year.

Linn wrote the poem after responding to a fire in which three young children died while trapped behind security bars. He had been on the Wichita (KS) Fire Department for 11 years at the time of the fire. In 1975, he retired after 28 years on the job. He died in 2004.

Despite its widespread use on memorials throughout the country, The Fireman's Prayer is often followed by the words "- Author Unknown." It is more commonly referred to now as The Firefighter's Prayer; and has been changed in other ways to include the growing number of women in the fire service.

In honor of Mr. Linn, the version on the left is as it was written in 1958.

Dalmatians are often associated with firemen. There is an interesting background behind this tradition that can be found at the following link: http://www.local1259iaff.org/dalmatians.html. But here's a brief summary.

This tradition dates back to the days when fire engines were pulled by horses. Dalmatians have a natural calming affect on horses and are also very loyal and protective. These strong dogs would act to calm the horses during long and stressful fires. At the same time, they would protect the firefighting equipment from being plundered while the firemen worked.

Today, Dalmatians are rarely seen in the fire service. Some fire stations do still keep a pet dog out of tradition. Every once in a while you might even here of a Dalmatian still riding on an engine, but I have no evidence to back that up.

Smokey the Bear is recognized by most people as the spokesbear for wildfire prevention. What most people may not realize that Smokey the Bear was a real bear.

In the midst of a forest fire in Capitan, NM, Smokey was as a cub found separated from his mother. Suffering from serious burns, the cub was nursed back to health and became the symbol of forest fire prevention and preservation.

But the "Smokey the Bear" campaign had started before the discovery of the injurred cub. Recognizing the need for improved forest fire prevention, the campaign was adopted by the Fire Service.

Smokey's birthday is celebrated on August 9th, the day the first Smokey the Bear poster debuted in 1944. He died in 1975 or 1976. Upon his death, he was returned to Capitan, NM. There is a museum and monument dedicated to him there.

The Fleur de Lys is a symbol with deep roots in history, although I have been unable to find any specific reference to the origins of its use in the Fire Service.

With its oldest roots in European royalty, I believe that its appearance on modern day fire apparatus is tied to its military significance. Used on military coats of arms, the likeness of the Fleur de Lys to a spearhead signifies strength and power.

Though subtle, the "flower of the lily" often appears in gold leaf on the corners of fire vehicles. Click on the picture on the right for a larger image.

A lot can be found about the history of the Fleur de Lys, but I found the site below to be the most concise.