Honoring International Firefighters Day and the Thin Red Line

On International Firefighters Day, you’ll see any number of ways that people pay tribute to the men and women of the fire service.

Some will post memorable images on social media on May 4. Some will swap out their porch light for a glowing red bulb.

The symbol that we always gravitate toward is the Thin Red Line. In recent years, it’s grown in popularity and awareness as a way to honor injured or fallen firefighters, as well as to simply show your support and respect for all those who step up to serve their communities in times of emergency.

At Fire Dept. Coffee, we’ve even created our own Thin Red Line flag hat and sticker, modified with our pike pole logo and a Halligan bar stripe. We love to see people showing off these designs, especially on International Firefighters Day.

The story of the origins of the Thin Red Line can be varied depending on who you ask, but many recognize it as a companion to the Thin Blue Line representing the police service.

Other variations include white for EMS, yellow for dispatch and gray for corrections.

In the case of the Thin Red Line, it’s also been said that it represents the line that a firefighter crosses on the most dangerous calls, the point at which their safety can no longer be guaranteed.

Regardless of its origins or interpretations, we view it as a point of pride — and we hope you do, too. 

We are honored to call ourselves firefighters and proud to serve alongside so many of the most courageous, selfless people we’ve ever met.

We are fortunate that so many people, in the fire service and beyond, recognize the dedication and commitment that is required of anyone who calls themself a firefighter.

We are the Thin Red Line.