The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services. It is awarded to paid and volunteer members.
About the award: The Australian Fire Service Medal is one of six meritorious awards in the Australian honours system. It acknowledges distinguished service by members of: a state or territory fire service
a fire service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the fire services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island and Norfolk Island.
The Australian Fire Service Medal was established on 12 April 1988 by Letters Patent.
How it is awarded: The Australian Fire Service Medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the responsible Commonwealth, state and territory ministers.
Each year the following awards may be made:
one award for each 1,000, or part of 1,000, full-time permanent members of the fire service
or combined fire services (as the case may be) of that State serving on 30 June in the year
immediately preceding that calendar year;
one award for each 5,000, or part of 5,000, part-time, volunteer or auxiliary members of the
fire service or combined fire services (as the case may be) of that State serving on 30 June
in the year immediately preceding that calendar year; and one additional award.
one award of the Medal shall be made in each calendar year in respect of the fire services
or combined fire services (as the case may be) in each of the Australian Capital Territory
and the Northern Territory of Australia.
one award of the Medal shall be made in each calendar year in respect of a
Commonwealth fire service, and
An occassional award (Not exceeding one per calendar year) may be made in respect of
the Fire service of an external Territory as determined by the responsible minister
The awards are announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen's Birthday (June) of
each year. A person may only receive the Australian Fire Service Medal once.
Medal design: The award is a circular copper-nickel medal. It is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal displays an image of the Queen superimposed over a seven-pointed star of flames. The back of the medal is inscribed with the words 'Australian Fire Service Medal', and 'For Distinguished Service' on a background of flames. Medal ribbon The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon has a central vertical band of gold pattern symbolising flames. The two outer vertical bands are green.
