According to Wikipedia, The name Gideon was chosen for this organization because:
Gideon was a man who was willing to do exactly what God wanted him to
do, regardless of his own judgment as to the plans or results. Humility,
faith, and obedience were his great elements of character. This is the
standard that The Gideons International is trying to establish in all
its members, each man to be ready to do God's will at any time, at any
place, and in any way that the Holy Spirit leads. Wikipedia
And thus the symbol of picther and torch.
I personally treasure the lesson of Gideon as the method of finding co-workers in the Lord.