History

HISTORY

The Catawba County Firefighters Association Honor Guard was started in 1993 with only 12 members from various departments across the county. The firefighters participating were from both volunteer and paid departments. The first uniforms were donate by Hickory Fire Department. Since that time the Honor Guard has grown into a 21 member strong unit that attends several functions a year as well as provide funeral and memorial services for the fire departments of Catawba County.

Past Honor Guard Members

Past Commanders:
Mark Earle St.Stephens FD (2005-2007)
Eric Sprinkle Hickory FD (2002-2005)
David Watson Conover FD (1995-2002)
Eric Hall   Conover FD (1994-1995)
Kent Brown   Oxford FD (1993-1994)

Past Members:
Anthony Star   Hickory FD
Marc Tipton   Hickory FD
Darlene Huffman   Hickory FD
Shane Stewart   Hickory FD
Heidi Barrier   Hickory FD
Lisa Miller   Hickory FD
Ed Whisenant Hickory FD
Sylvia Fisher   Oxford FD
Matt Deal   St. Stephens FD
Erroll Ward Mt. View FD
Matthew Gunter Denver FD
Bruce Roseman Conover FD
J.P.Peeler Newton FD
Randy Hyde Sherrills-Ford Terrell FD
Tammy Leonard-Catawba FD
Jennifer Deal-Catawba FD
Johnnie Canipe St. Stephens FD
Tyler Keener Newton FD
Mike Walker Sherrills-Ford Fire/Rescue
Thomas Wright Denver FD
Cody Jarvis Oxford FD
Josh Crump: Newton FD

The History of the Maltese Cross

Centuries ago, when a courageous band of crusaders known as the knights of St. John fought the Saracens to win back the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors - Fire.
When hundreds of comrades risked their lives to rescue others and extinguish fires, they became the first firefighters.
Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each a badge of honor - a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today. The cross represents the fire-service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires.
Since the Knights of St. John lived on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta for nearly four centuries, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.
The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and represents the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe and dexterity in service. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life to help others in need, just as the brave Knights of St. John did so many years ago.