Saint Florian was born around 250 AD in the ancient Roman city of Aelium Cetium, presently known as Pölten, Austria.
He joined the Roman Army and advanced in the ranks, rising to commander of the imperial army in the Roman province of Noricum. In addition to his military duties, he was also responsible for organizing and leading firefighting brigades. Saint Florian organized and trained an elite group of soldiers whose sole duty was to fight fires.
During the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians, reports reached Rome that Saint Florian was not enforcing the proscriptions against Christians in his territory. Aquilinus was sent to investigate these reports. When Aquilinus ordered Florian to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods in accordance with Roman religion, Florian refused. Florian was sentenced to be burned at the stake.
Saint Florian was a Christian holy man. He is a patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and brewers. He is invoked against fires, floods, lightning, and the pains of Purgatory.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian
