What is the Symbolism behind the Chardon Fire Department Patch
By Lt. Gary McKrill
For
many years, Chardon Volunteer Fire Department has provided fire and EMS coverage
to the area known as "Chardon". Today, our coverage area has
grown to include the City of Chardon, Chardon Township, and Claridon
Township. Mutual Aid territory extends to a much wider area, including
much of Northeastern Ohio.
Our old patch was used for about 75
years of the late department history. Though retired, it was adequate and
functional for those who displayed it proudly on their sleeve, as one of
"Chardon's Bravest".
The fire service is steeped in
tradition. Some say that it is 125 years of tradition, unimpeded by
progress. I'm not sure about that, but traditions are what hold a family
together, and a fire department is as close knit as any family. The
traditional Maltese Cross has been with the fire service since the Crusades,
where a group of warriors became rescuers, risking their lives to save their
fellow burned Crusaders. They risked their lives to save others, much like
firefighters today. Traditions as they are, the retired patch needed to be
incorporated into the new design. The Crusaders carried the Maltese Cross as a
badge of courage. We also should carry the old to honor those who carried
the insignia before us. Thus, the center or heart of the new CFD patch, is
based on our roots; the traditional Chardon Maltese Cross.
The
shape of the new patch is a shield. A shield is a means of protection
between life and danger. This particular shield is a woven fabric of red
and black. The black is a form of remembrance and mourning for those who
have gone before. The red is for the life-blood that serves today.
Again, it is a WOVEN fabric of past and present. The gold trim will
withstand trial by fire and still remain. Thus, the shield is a symbol of
protection; past & present, as well as a symbol of strength for years to
come.
In the center of the cross is a traditional
"scramble". It is a collection of items that represent
readiness. The bugle is for leadership, as fire officers use the speaking
trumpet to direct personnel. The helmet represents personnel and personal
safety. The tools are to represent the specialized tools of the
firefighting trade (ladder and pike pole). Combined, the
"scramble" symbolizes total readiness.
The remaining
items on the new patch are items of pride. We, as a full-service fire
department, must provide advanced life support EMS to those we serve. This
has become the bulk of our daily calls. EMS is represented by the
"Star of Life". We are, and always have been, a fire department
providing first class fire protection. Fire protection is more than
putting fires out. It includes fire prevention, community fire safety
education, and assistance in times of need. The fire service portion is
represented by the fire hydrant. As indicated on the patch, we are
"Proud to Serve". As you can also see, we have been doing it
since 1875. That adds up to about 125 years of dedicated service.
The
new patch is a little of then, a little of now, and a lot of tradition to
perpetuate Chardon Fire Department's continued excellence and dedicated service.
-Lt.
Gary McKrill - Patch Redesign Committee
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Internet: Capt. John Blauch, Webmaster
