The eight-pointed star is derived from the cross of St. John. It originated from the Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Knights of Malta and was the emblem of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem at the time of the Crusades. The points or “Tenets” were said to represent the knightly virtues of;
- TACT
- PERSEVERANCE
- GALLANTRY
- LOYALTY
- DEXTERITY
- EXPLICITNESS
- OBSERVATION
- SYMPATHY
Since these represent the qualities required by a fireman, the star was chosen for the insignia of the National and Auxiliary Fire Service and has remained so to the Fire Service of today.
