Saint Florian


St. Florian medals are popular additions to chains and necklaces for both men and women. St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, , was a saint who lived during the time the Romans were trying to eradicate Christianity from the land. He was in charge of the Roman firefighting brigade, hence his association with fire and firefighters.

Many St. Florian medals have the words "St. Florian Protect Us" inscribed around the outside of the medal. The medals may be the traditional round shape, but many people prefer them in the shape of the Maltese Cross, used commonly by firefighters around the world, particularly in the United States.

On the Saint Florian Medal, he is often portrayed as standing above a burning house with a bucket of water in his right hand. This signifies his protection against fire and burning. On some medals St. Florian actually holds the house in his hand, an added sign of protection.

Some fire departments have even commissioned St. Florian Medals with the initials of the department and the badge number of the firefighter inscribed on the medal. These are very often in the shape of the Maltese Cross, with a circular center. On the right and left "arms" of the cross are often inscribed a ladder and a symbol for water, such as a fire hydrant.