The Badge… A Higher Code of Conduct

What does it mean to wear a firefighter badge? It’s much more than just an identification tag. It has a long history, steeped in traditions as old as firefighting itself.

In the City of Avon, the history of the Badge is shared by Chief David Swope. He shares the story of the Badge prior to swearing in and promotional ceremonies hosted by the department.

Here is the story of the Badge and why all who wear one holds himself to a higher standard of conduct.

History of the Badge

A firefighter’s Badge is a symbol of their dedication and their desire to keep citizens safe during dangerous times.

The badges we wear are steeped in tradition; from the Order of the Knights of St. John during the 11th century crusades. These knights cared for the sick and wounded and safeguarded the routes from bandits for pilgrims traveling from Europe to the Holy Land. During the Crusades, these knights were attacked by fighters using fire as a weapon. The Knights of St. John were considered the first firefighters because they rushed into danger, against fire, to help others.

Following the crusades in the 16th century, the Island of Malta was ceded to these knights. They grew the island not only into a fortification to protect southern Europe, but also as a center for shipping and trade; their name was eventually changed from the Knights of St. John to what most people know them as…the Knights of Malta. Hence the maltese cross is used to give homage to those knights; and displayed proudly on many fire uniforms.

The Shield we use for the badge has tradition as well. Tradition states that the shield badge is similar to the shields used by the Knights of Malta to defend themselves. Those shields had their emblem of a cross painted in red in the center. Both the American fire service and the International Red Cross have direct ties to the design of those shields used by these medieval knights.

Our shields also have a red inlay. However; in the center of our badges is the scramble. The scramble depicts the tools of our trade, such as ladders and hooks, a helmet and bugles. The “scramble” symbolizes a promise to be prepared; to go wherever help is needed at a moment’s notice.

For over a millennium, these symbols have been used on almost every firefighter badge and insignia, because it represents loyalty to citizens caught in danger and the willingness to sacrifice their personal safety to help others and care for the sick and wounded.

This is the deep rooted culture we enter into. It is no wonder that society decidedly holds us to a higher standard of conduct, and why when one of us fails that public trust through wrongdoing or misbehavior, that all of us suffer from that breach of trust.

So every time you pin on your badge; as a newly sworn firefighter, or as a veteran firefighter, an officer or as chief one day…remember what it represents, and the higher code of conduct we collectively must uphold.

By Chief David Swope, Avon Fire Department