Nelsonville
Division of Fire
PATCH

This patch is the official patch of the Nelsonville Division of Fire which has served the citizens of the Nelsonville area for over 100 years. 
The Division was established in 1890 with the appointment of its first Fire Chief. 
In 1895, a regular volunteer fire department was established providing for a chief and forty-eight men — three ward companies 
and a hook and ladder company of twelve men each.

The symbolism of the Nelsonville Division of Fire Patch

The patch is circular with a blue field, representing water, constancy, loyalty, learning, authority and security.

The circular patch is ringed in gold. The ring, having neither beginning nor end, it represents eternity, the symbol of unity, the absolute and perfection. 
The color gold of the ring represents generosity, honor and long life.

The white of the lettering represents the color of light, purity and perfection.

The flames or fire signify zeal, as one may be consumed by zeal as well as fire. It is also a symbol of passion, spiritual energy, rebirth and purification.

The insignia of the fire service is the Maltese Cross. This cross represents the fire service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires. 
The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. The Maltese Cross is our symbol of protection. 
It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down their life just a the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. 
The Maltese Cross is a firefighter’s badge of honor, signifying that they work in courage - a ladder rung away from death. 
The eight points of the Maltese Cross represents the eight virtues of knights.

  • Loyalty

  • Piety

  • Generosity

  • Courage

  • Modesty

  • Contempt of death

  • Helpfulness toward the poor and helpless

  • Respect for the church

The red trim of the cross represents the color of fire and blood. A burning desire for virtue, ready to shed blood.

Our Motto

So Others May Live

If you are interested in a patch you can purchase one for $2.00 to cover the cost of of the patch and postage.
This is the only way we can offer patches without a trade.

To trade a patch, send us one of your patches, and we will send you one of our patches.

Patch requests and trades can be sent to:

The Nelsonville Volunteer Firefighter
P.O. Box 147
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

 

This is our old patch from the 60's and 70's.  Our department covered all three townships pictured on the patch.  There are now four departments covering this area outside the Nelsonville City limits.

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