- The Governor General of Canada
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Brian James Jerome Cole
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
January 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 329
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Blazon
Arms
Vert a sword point in base Argent, its pommel and guard set with four bezants, surmounted by a star of life Or charged with a rod of Aesculapius Vert its serpent Argent, on a chief enarched Argent a pallet between two pallets wavy Azure;
Crest
A Yorkshire terrier statant erect guardant on a mount of coal proper and supporting a rod of Aesculapius Argent its serpent Vert;
Motto
LIVE AS A SERVANT-LEADER;
Symbolism
Arms
Green, as the colour of health, represents Mr. Cole’s leadership in the Ontario Council of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The sword is symbolic of sacrifice and mercy, ideals demonstrated by Mr. Cole through his life of service. Its four gold roundels allude to Mr. Cole’s wife and three children. The star of life symbolizes his training as a health services administrator, registered nurse, and certified paramedic. The wavy blue stripes, evocative of waterfalls, symbolize his birthplace of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and his later residences in its environs. The arched line also appears in the arms of the City of Niagara Falls.
Crest
The black rocks—lumps of coal—are a canting reference to Mr. Cole’s surname. The Yorkshire Terrier refers to the pets which have brought joy to Mr. Cole, his wife, and his family. Because Yorkshire terriers once worked in coal mines to control rodents, it also alludes by metonymy to the name Cole. The staff and snake is a symbol of healing, alluding to the work of Mr. Cole in the health sector.
Motto
This motto affirms Mr. Cole’s approach to leadership, placing service above self.