The insignia of the fire service is the Cross-Patee-Nowy, otherwise known as the "Maltese Cross".  This cross represents the fire service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires.

     The fire service borrows the emblem of the cross from the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitallers), a charitable, nonmilitary organization that existed during the 11'th and 12'th centuries. A white or silver cross on a dark background was adopted by these Knights or Hospitallers, as they were also known, because of their charity toward the sick and poor in setting up hospices and hospitals. Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades (Knights Templar) through their goodwill and also through military assistance in an effort to win back the Holy Land against the Saracens.

     The need for an identifiable emblem for the knights had become crucial during combat. Because of the extensive armor which covered their entire bodies and faces, the knights were unable to distinguish friend from foe in battle. They chose the cross of Cavalry as their symbol since they fought their battles for a holy cause. The cross was later called the "Maltese Cross" and represented the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe, protection of the weak, and dexterity in service.

     During the Crusades, many knights became Fire Fighters out of necessity. Their enemies had resorted to throwing glass bombs containing naphtha as the knights advanced upon the walls of the city.. When the knights became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled flaming torches into their midst's. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying a painful and fiery death.

     Saracens also sailed their war vessels containing naphtha, rosin, sulphur, and flaming oil into the vessels of the knights. Many knights were called to perform heroic deeds by rescuing fellow knights and extinguishing fires. The Knights of St. John eventually moved to the Island of Malta, the island for which the Maltese Cross was named.

     In acknowledgment of these feats, the cross worn by these knights was decorated and inscribed. This was considered a most honorable acclaim.