It’s time again for another installment of history and
tradition of the fire service. So
far we have discussed the Maltese cross and the Shamrock. These two images have great meaning and
are widely found in the fire service.
This month’s topic is also well known in the fire service and I would
bet that you could walk into almost any firehouse in the country and find
someone wearing or carrying the image of St Florian. St Florian is a Christian saint and is the patron saint of
Linz, Austria, chimney sweeps and firefighters. A patron saint is a saint or angel who is chosen as a
special guardian or protector over areas of life. These areas can range from occupations, illnesses or really
anything that is important to us.
Typically patron saints are chosen by the Pope and they are usually
chosen because of an interest, talent or event in their lives that overlaps
with a special area. While there
are a couple other saints that are associated with fire and fire prevention, St
Florian is the most widely known in regards to firefighting. If you look at a fire catalog or
website it is not difficult to find items carrying the image of St Florian
available for purchase.
So why is St Florian the patron saint of firefighters? Florian was an officer in the Roman
army in the 3rd century.
Florian had converted to Christianity but had kept it a secret until he
was ordered to kill a group of Christians during the persecutions of
Diocletian. Florian refused to
follow the order and professed his faith.
Once it was known that Florian was a Christian he was ordered to be put
to death. Typically during this
time people were put to death by fire.
This did not scare Florian as he challenged the Roman soldiers to light
the fire, saying “If you do, I will climb to heaven on the flames.” So instead of burning him to death, the
soldiers beat him, set him on fire, and tied a stone around his neck and threw
him in the river. Because he was
not afraid to die by fire, St Florian became the patron saint of
firefighters. St Florian is also
known for stopping a fire with a single pitcher of water thus adding to his
connection to firefighters. St
Florian is considered a powerful protector in danger from fire, and floods and
against drowning.
Whether you are a spiritual or religious individual or not
St Florian is deeply rooted in the history of the fire service. Like a lot people, I tend to be a
little bit superstitious. I wear a
St Florian medallion every day. Do
I think it is going to save me from a fire? No, I don’t but I like what it
stands for and I like to think there is someone watching over us when we go to
work. Whether it is St Florian, or
a lucky penny or some other keepsake someone carries, I don’t really think it
matters. I think it is the meaning
or personal connection to that item that really matters. If it makes you feel safer in a fire,
or closer to your family when you are away, then carrying that item is great. Sometimes it is the little things that
make some of the terrible things we see in this job more bearable. It is for that reason that you see so many firefighters
carrying items that bear St Florian’s image. St Florian is forever rooted in the traditions of the fire
service. May he watch over and
protect us all.
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