The GFD emblem was designed to reflect the heritage and honor of the department within the community. The crown represents "Loyalty and Integrity" and links the department’s service to the Crown. "UT ALII VIVANT" is the Gravenhurst Fire Department motto in Latin. Translated into English this means "That Others May Live." The laurel leaves encircling the crest are leaves of victory. The center of the crest contains the emblem of all Canadian firefighters known as the Canadian Fire Service badge. This emblem contains the maple leaf within the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection whose story is hundreds of years old. When a courageous band of Crusaders from Malta, know as the Knights of St. John fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land, they came up against a form of warfare that they had never experienced before. The Saracen's weapon was fire. As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of Jerusalem they were struck with glass bombs filled with naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of the Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.

Thus these men became the first of a long list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor; a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today.

The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you, just as Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage . . . .  a ladder rung away from death.

The design of the Canadian Fire Service badge stems from heraldic designs that symbolize the fire service and the qualities, which promote "esprit de corps" for one badge and a recognized service from coast to coast. The eight-point star represents the true Maltese Cross which was adopted by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem at the time of the crusades.

The eight points of the star or cross indicate respectively: Tact, Gallantry, Dexterity, Observation, Perseverance, Loyalty, Explicitness and Sympathy.

The red circle bearing the words "Fire Service D’Incendie" is symbolic of the rope or ties that make us one service and emblematic or unbroken service and loyalty.

The colour red in the border is symbolic of the fire service and the Maple Leaf in the center is the "Canadian Emblem" that embodies the fire service from coast to coast.