History of the Maltese Cross

I ran across this article tonight while looking for another article to post on. The entire article is gleaned from another website from along time ago, I wish I could reference and give proper credit to the original author, web-host, and the contributors. Some people have asked about the origins of the fire service. This symbol is an ancient representation of the fire service.
The Maltese Cross

The eight-point Maltese Cross is the international symbol of the fire service's willingness to make great
sacrifices in order to protect others from the ravages of fire. It is a badge of courage and honor and it story is
hundreds of years old.

This honored symbol originated with a group of eleventh century knights who were serving in a Jerusalem
hospital. They became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St. John. This
charitable organization cared for the ill with great compassion.

Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in their effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of
St. John and Knights of the Crusades attacked the city walls, the Saracens first threw glass bombs containing highly
flammable liquids and then flaming torches. Many knights were severely burned, some suffering agonizing deaths.
Risking horrible death, those knights who were able struggled desperately to help their burning comrades, beating
out the flames and dragging them to safety. In acknowledgment of their heroic deeds of rescuing fellow knights and
fighting fires, the cross they wore was decorated and inscribed.

In 1530, the Island of Malta was given to the courageous knights. The symbol on their flag, the eight-point
cross, became known as the "Maltese Cross." The cross, which had originally helped the knights distinguish
between friend and foe, became the ultimate symbol of heroism and service. The cross, which is considered sacred,
represents the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe, protection of the weak
and dexterity in service.

Today, firefighters wear the Maltese Cross to symbolize their willingness to risk their lives to save others from the
ravages of fire. The Maltese Cross is also the symbol used by St John Ambulance across the world. This is an
organization that developed out of the crusades, and has been known as the Nights of St John. In Australia, St John
Ambulance is a First Aid organization involved in teaching and performing first aid. Most members are volunteers
although in some states they still run the primary ambulance services.

Maltese Cross research was compiled by Shirley Sheridan with the assistance of the following fire service
chaplains:

Denny Burris, Dallas Fire Department
Wayne Collins, Houston Fire Department
Ed Stauffer, Retired, Fort Worth Fire Department