This circular metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Passaic New Jersey during the early 20th century. The badge’s rim is made to look like a riveted fire hose. The top of the fire badge is decorated with a crossed hose nozzle and speaking trumpet behind a fire helmet. An upper banner reads “PASSAIC” and the lower banner reads “FIRE.DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. A raised metal number “147” is in the center of the badge. The Passaic Fire Department was first incorporated in 1869, and various volunteer companies operated until 1909, when the paid fire department was instituted. The badge would date to after 1909.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Richmond, Virginia. The silver-plated badge has a stippled background with upper and lower banners that read “RICHMOND/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” The design at the middle of the badge is a representation of the early seal of Virginia that depicts the goddess Virtus victorious over Tyranny. Virtus, with spear and sword, is shown standing in triumph over the body of a tyrant—likely representing King George III—with scepter and crown fallen at his side. Virginia adopted this image as its official state seal in 1776, continues to use a variation on its state flag.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This metal fire badge was used by a foreman of the Chicago Fire Department Engine No. 2. The badge has a unique shape, made to resemble a fire hydrant. The badge is inscribed with the text “ENGINE/2/CHICAGO/FIRE DEP’T/FOREMAN/1” which is filled in with black enamel. This Chicago Fire Department introduced its first paid departments in August of 1858, with the last volunteer companies not going out of service until 1867. Engine 2 was eventually disbanded in 1963. This was the second type of badge style the Chicago Fire Department used, introducing it around 1875.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.