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Why are Fire Trucks RED?
Although many new color schemes have become available for fire trucks (yellow, white, green, etc.), RED is still the color most widely used for painting fire trucks. The most widely accepted reason is that back in the 1800s, there was a lot of competition between the fire brigades of neighboring cities and towns. The firefighters, too, had great pride in the condition of their pumper. Each brigade wanted THEIR pump to be the cleanest and the most polished, with the most brass and the most regal colors. At the time, RED was the most expensive color - and that is what colors most crews chose to paint their pumper.

Why has the Damlation become a symbol of fire departments?
Use of a Dalmation dates back to a time when fire departments used HORSE-DRAWN ENGINES. Dalmations were trained to escort the horses on the way to the fire scene to prevent stray dogs from interfering in their response. The spotted Dalmations were easy for horses to distinguish from other dogs. Once at the fire scene, the Dalmation would continue to protect the horses from other animals.

Why is a Maltese Cross used in many fire department logos? What does it mean?
The story and history of the Maltese Cross is hundreds of years old, when a courageous band of crusaders, known as the "Knights of St. John", fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land. The Saracens used FIRE as their primary weapon, throwing flammable liquid onto the Knights of St. John . . . then throwing torches onto the men. SOME of the the knights began risking their lives to put out the flames and tried to save their brothers-in-arms from burning to death. Thus, these men became our first FIREMEN. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each a badge of honor - similar to the cross firemen wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named MALTA . . . the cross became known as the "Maltese Cross".

Where did fire departments start?
The history of organized firefighting actually dates back to Ancient Egypt, where hand-operated pumps may have been employed to extinguish fires. Firefighting in the United States dates back to 1648 in New Amsterdam, when 8 prominent citizens were assigned to the "Rattle Watch". These men volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles. If a fire was seen, the men spun the rattles, then directed the responding citizens to form bucket brigades. On January 27, 1678 the first engine company went into service. The first organized volunteer fire department began in Philadelphia in 1736, and was started by Benjamin Franklin. Another famous firefigher? George Washington belonged to the Alexandira, Virginia fire department!