As a symbol of appreciation and respect, challenge coins are created. Commemorating police enforcement agents and other public servants is a common use of these medals, which have a long history in the military. It’s becoming more common for firefighters to get custom coins to honor them for their bravery and heroism.
The firefighter challenge coin does have a long history and is a wonderful way to honor those who lay their lives at risk for the safety of others.
Since the time of the Roman Empire, firefighters have been saving the world from blazes. Emperor Augustus of Rome, according to legend, is credited with establishing the first fire department in the first century A.D. Ancient Egyptians may have utilized water pumps to extinguish flames, according to historical texts.
After major fires in Paris and London in the 17th and 18th centuries, firefighting became more structured.
The first fire hose was invented in 1673 by Dutch inventor Jan Van der Heyden, revolutionizing firefighting across the world. In the United States in 1678, the first fire company was founded in Boston.
Benjamin Franklin founded the Philadelphia Union Fire Company in 1736. Because of that, fire departments were not established until the Civil War. Governments at many levels, including municipal, state, and federal, contributed to their creation. In 1818, Molly Williams became New York City’s first female firefighter.
For many years, firefighters have been presenting each other with challenge coins as a token of appreciation and to remember their fallen brethren. They’ve become a means for people all throughout the country to remember and honor the lives lost while on the job.
Ladders, hoses, helmets, and other firefighting equipment are often shown on coins for firefighters. Firefighter challenge coins often have the patron saint of firemen, St. Florian, as an emblem. St. Florian was born in Austria and rose to the rank of lieutenant in the Roman army, where he led a firefighting team and saved many lives.
The Maltese Cross is sometimes mistaken for the St. Florian’s Cross because of its wide arms and smooth curves, as well as its round center. A real Maltese Cross features thin arms that meet in a shallow V-shape at the center, making it distinctive. The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of St. John, are known to use this design.
We at Challenge Coins 4 U are proud to produce personalized coins for fire departments all throughout the country. These custom challenge coins have a significant influence on people’s lives. We’ve been making bespoke coins for over two decades, and we know exactly what it takes to produce coins that are both valuable and meaningful. Interested in learning more? Send us an email if you have any queries and we’ll be happy to provide you with a FREE quote.
