Simpsonville firefighter awarded Order of the Maltese

Award is a 'symbol of protection' to the public

Simpsonville, S.C. — Simpsonville firefighter Carlos Mateu has received the Order of the Maltese award from his peers at the S.C. Fire Academy.

The Order of the Maltese is based on the Maltese cross, a centuries-old symbol that is now associated with fire service. The Maltese cross is a symbol of protection to the public and a badge of honor.

Found on uniforms and vehicles and used at ceremonies, the Maltese cross signifies that firefighters who wear them work with courage and are willing to lay down their lives for the public and fellow firefighters. Each point represents the one of the eight obligations of a firefighter: loyalty, sympathy, observation, dexterity, tact, explicitness, perseverance and gallantry.

Mateu was awarded the honor by a vote of his peers in the Recruit Program of the S.C. Fire Academy, signifying that he exemplifies all eight points. The Simpsonville Fire Department and City of Simpsonville are proud to have Mateu as a firefighter.