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?

[Greg Collins]

Here is an RSR (1965-1989) badge for "Leader in Guarding Against Fire"- an outstanding Firefighter. Standard pin back, bronze with enamel. Note the lack of State seal... while the RPR version of the same award did have the "red star with blue dot and RPR on it" at the top, the RSR version, as seen here, had no such designation. This pin dates from the '70's/'80's.

[Greg Collins]

At last... at long last, I have finally tracked down the RPR version of the badge in post #2. Note the red star/blue dot with "RPR" atop the badge.

[Greg Collins]

This late model badge was given for contests held between fire companies similar to contests we have here in the States. Certainly not the pinnacle of badge making, it was, nervertheless, made by the State mint and one should be in the collection.

[Greg Collins]

While most countries in the Warsaw Pact gave medals for years of fire service, the RSR gave badges. Here's a selection of these in 10, 15 and 20 years of service in the "struggle against fire".