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The eight pointed star is in fact based on the cross of St John. It originated in the Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Knights of Malta, and was used by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem at the time of the crusades.

Each one of the points - or tenets, represents the following qualities.

• Tact

• Gallantry

• Dexterity

• Observation

• Perseverance

• Loyalty

• Explicitness

• Sympathy

The Knights of St John of Jerusalem were primarily a charitable, non-military organisation that existed between the eleventh and twelfth centuries. A white or silver cross on a dark background was adopted by these knights or 'hospitallers' as they were known, because of their charity toward the sick and poor in setting up hospices and hospitals. Later they did in fact assist the knights of the crusades with their goodwill and also military assistance in an effort to win back the Holy Land.

The Knights of St John eventually moved to the island of Malta and so the symbol became known as the Maltese Cross. The need for an identifiable emblem for the Knights was crucial, because due to the extensive armour which covered their entire body and faces, the Knights were unable to distinguish friend from foe in battle.

During the battles that took place throughout the period of the Holy Wars, one of the Saracens used fire extensively as a weapon. As the Crusaders advanced upon the walls of a city the Saracens resorted to throwing burning naphtha and oil upon the advancing knights. At sea, the Saracens would sail war vessels containing naphtha, rosin and sulphur into the vessels of the knights.

Many Knights of St John were called upon to perform heroic deeds, rescue fellow Knights and extinguish fires. In acknowledgement of their feats of bravery, these Knights wore a Maltese Cross that was decorated and inscribed in acclaim for their actions. It is, perhaps, here that the first association of the cross with firefighters was born.

Use by Fire Services

Wherever the line between myth and truth lies is not exactly known, but it can perhaps be said without contradiction that the Maltese Cross and also any derivatives are regarded as a symbol of protection and courage. It does, perhaps, in simple terms identify with the fact that the firefighter who wears the badge could, and sometimes do, lay down his/her life for others in the same way as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives so many years ago.

Quite when the star was first used in this country for the badge of a firefighter is not easy to establish. the earliest example found is the brass eight pointed star adopted for use by the National Fire Brigades Association in 1887. This Association was, prior to the formation of the National Fire Service in 1942, one of the main organisations that existed nationally and who provided many of the uniform, medal, rules, training and technical standards for fire brigades throughout the country.

Auxiliary Fire Service

In 1938 when the Auxiliary Fire Service was formed, the Home Office adopted the eight pointed star and then, upon the formation of the National Fire Service in 1942, the same pattern was used with the top 'tenet' being the King's Crown.

In March 1948, just prior to the formation of the new Local Authority Brigades, the Home Office published a National Fire Service Circular detailing the new rank markings and style of cap badge which was to be based on the chromium eight pointed star with the centre being of a design specific to each individual fire brigade.

Hereford and Worcester

Over the years, there have been a number of different badges in use, which are shown below.  The service originally started out as two separate fire brigades, one for Herefordshire and one for Worcestershire.  They were "County of Hereford Fire Brigade" and "Worcester City and County Fire Brigade" respectively.  Tenbury Wells fell under the control of "Worcester City and County Fire Brigade".

County of Hereford Fire Brigade

The red background on the crest is taken from the arms of the City of Hereford and also represents the red earth of Herefordshire. The silver lion is from the arms of the City of Hereford, and in base is a Herefordshire Bull's head. The silver and blue wave represents the River Wye.

The crest is based on the arms of the Borough of Leominster, which feature a rampant lion holding a lamb and is a reference to the importance of agriculture to the county.

The gold Lion is that of England, differenced by a garland of hops around his neck. The talbot is taken from the arms of the Talbot family, Marcher Lords of Shrewsbury and Viscounts of Hereford. For difference he wears a gold collar charged with apples, an important product of the county.

Worcester City and County Fire Brigade

The pear-tree has long been an emblem of the County of Worcestershire and three black pears appear in the arms of the City of Worcester. These arms are said to have been adopted to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Worcester, when the loyal townsfolk transplanted a pear-tree under fruit from its orchard to the centre of the City. The blue and white waves undoubtedly refer to the River Severn.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade

As a result of local government re-organisation in 1974, involving the merging of the two counties, the two brigades were merged into what was to be known as "Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade" - a name that remained up until 2004.  During this period, two versions of the badge were used, the first being the standard eight tenets, with Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade" printed in a red ring, with the county crest in the centre.  The bull representing Herefordshire, and the pears representing Worcestershire.

The black pears upon bezants against a red background were taken from the arms of the Worcestershire County Council. These might be taken as an allusion to the social, intellectual and material wealth of the area. The white and blue wavy lines represent the rivers Severn and Wye. The bull's head was taken from the arms of the Herefordshire County Council.

The mural crown is a common civic emblem and the bi-corporate lion represents the union of the two former counties. The pear echoes those in the shield.

The talbot and lion are derived from the former Herefordshire supporters. The apples and hops together with the compartment comprising a ploughed field and grassy area may be taken as an allusion to the general agricultural nature of the area.  

In 1997 the county of Hereford and Worcester split up, again becoming the two counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the name of the fire brigade remained unchanged, but the brigade was brought under the control of a new joint authority.  The crest in the centre of the badge changed to represent the new fire authority.  The shield on the badge is taken from the newly created crest of the fire authority.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service

On 1st October 2004 the brigade changed it's name to "Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service" to reflect it's new roles under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.  The crest remained unchanged on the badge, however "Fire Brigade" was replaced with the words "Fire and Rescue Service".

2008 saw the introduction of a new corporate logo as part of a re-branding of the service.  The badge is significantly different to previous versions, still maintaining the eight tenets, but the name on a red ring is replaced with "Protection Prevention Intervention" - the three core activities of the fire and rescue service on a tri-coloured ring.  The crest in the centre has been replaced with three grey pears and a bull on a grey background, representing the counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire.  This is the current badge which is being rolled out onto new clothing, fire appliances and stationery.