US Fire Department Cap Badge

The US Fire Department Cap Badge is a distinctive insignia historically worn by members of American fire departments as part of their uniform attire. Typically crafted from metal, the badge features a central emblem—often the traditional Maltese Cross or a similar fire service symbol—accompanied by raised or engraved lettering indicating “Fire Department” and sometimes the specific location or rank of the wearer. The design and manufacturing details may vary according to the issuing department and the era of production, reflecting both local and period-specific traditions. The badge was worn affixed to the front of a service cap and served both as a practical means of identifying personnel and as a symbol of the authority and responsibilities of fire service members. Collectors and historians often reference these badges to study changes in organizational structure, insignia design, and municipal fire department history in the United States.