Fire Brigade Badges.

[Greg Collins]

Romania's Fire Brigade was part of the military from it's inception (1842) until 2005. It was an integral part of the Internal Ministry during the Communist period (1947-1989), as was the Militia (Police), Security Troops and the Securitate. The members were known, both individually and collectively, as "Pompieri". The following are a few items in my collection.

First, the Fire Brigade badge- very similar to the Military Academy badge both in size and design, although it has a standard pin back rather than a full-closure pin back. The central emblem shows a Firefighter subduing a Turkish soldier... on 13 September 1848, the Fire Brigade in Bucharest was mobilized, in it's military role, to repel invading Turks- this also accounts for the dates on the badge... also the badge was issued in 1988; close to the end of the regime. Note the Fire Brigade emblem at the bottom- this will be repeated on the shoulderboards.

Also included here with the badge is a very small image (only one I could find) of Lt. Col. (later Col.) Marian Stan of the Bucharest Fire Brigade. You can just see the badge above his right pocket. This badge is quite rare (perhaps because of the late date of issue)- I have only seen it as you see it here... in my collection and in the photo. Also, I have no idea why it was awarded- maybe as a command designation for higher ranks?