1. Who was Saint Florian?

He was a member of the Roman Army born in 250 AD and was sentenced to death by fire by Emporer Diocletian when he refused to follow orders and persecute all Christians in the area. Standing on the pile erected to be set on fire killing him, Florian challenged the Roman soldiers to start the fire and said, " If you do, I will climb to heaven on the flames." Fearful of Florian, the soldiers had him drowned instead.

Florian was made a Saint by Pope Lucius III, and later a person was reported to have been saved from fire by praying to St. Florian. Since then St. Florian has generally been regarded as the patron Saint of the fire service.

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2. Why are Dalmatians considered firehouse dogs?

Dogs were helpful to direct and guard horses during the era of the horse drawn fire engine. Dalmatians were favored probably because of their size, friendly nature, ability to train, and ability to care for themselves. Likewise urban and nearby departments gave away puppies as new litters were born thus creating an ongoing fire service tradition.

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3. The history of National Fire Prevention Week?

In 1911 the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed in a manner to inform the public about fire hazards, fire prevention and fire safety. Fire Prevention Day was first observed on October 11, 1911.

President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920 .  Five years later President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week , October 4-10, 1925.

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3. Why is the Maltese Cross the symbol of the fire service?

Also known as the Cross Pattee-Nowry. The symbol is essentially borrowed from the Kights of St. John of Jerusalem, a charitable organization that helped the sick and poor by building hospitals and clinics. Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in an effort to assist the Island of Malta - from which the famous Maltese Cross derives its name.

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4. What are the word's to the Fireman's Prayer?

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6. What were the worst historical fires (since 1835)?

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7. What were the worst fires in United States history (since 1835)?

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