The badges that firefighters wear have a long history, stemming from hundreds of years ago. There are many types of them and they signify different things depending on who it is being worn by: whether speaking to where these professionals came from or how rank affects their appearance in society (i.e., captain). As you become more senior within your fire department's hierarchy - starting off as an officer-wearing recruit then progressing through each higher ranking position until retiring with service letters after decades spent protecting homes at all hours throughout night; wearing any given badge will change accordingly!
The Knights of St. John were a group from Malta that worked to protect the Christians in their home country and abroad, so it's not surprising these knights became firefighters centuries ago when they came across native tribes whose main weapon was fire. Even though there are many versions about how this story goes down - some saying European crusaders first went up against natives with naught but flame while others say locals fought back by throwing pots filled wood ashes at them- all agree on one thing: The Maltese Cross sign is now emblazoned onto badges worldwide as confirmation of humanity's oldest profession. The first North American firefighters wore a large megaphone around their neck, known as the bugle. This was common for people to know who were in charge and communicate with others on duty using this device - but it soon became outdated when more sophisticated communication systems came about. Today one might still see an officer sporting his insignia of office by having two bugles worn together; these are lieutenant badges!
Fire departments often have military-inspired badges, as they are tightly knit to the armed forces. The first professional fire department was organized by Napoleon in 1800s France and he ordered members of his army to protect Paris with manual pumps - this tradition continues today! Captains may wear two bugles or bars on their badge mimicking a symbol from military rank structure for Captain (Capt). The number of stars that a military officer wears can vary depending on their position in the chain of command. Battalion Chiefs may wear three bugles, or one star for this rank; Assistant/Deputy chiefs will have four additional metal rings while District Chiefs are granted five different colors to decorate themselves with as they see fit!