How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Australian Fire Service Medal on the recommendation of the responsible Commonwealth, state and territory ministers.
The medal is awarded annually as follows:
- One medal for every 1000, or part of 1000, full-time permanent members of a State or Territory Australian fire service.
- One medal for every 5000, or part of 5000, part-time, volunteer or auxiliary members of a State or Territory Australian fire service.
- One medal shall be made in respect of a Commonwealth fire service
- One medal may be awarded for fire service members of the combined external Territories.
Awards are announced in January and June each year.
Only one award can be made to an individual. Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AFSM.
History
Prior to 1988 distinguished service in the Australian Fire Service was recognised by two awards:
- Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry (awarded posthumously)
- Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
In 1988 a distinctly Australian award, the Australian Fire Service Medal, was created. This award acknowledges distinguished service by members of:
- a State or Territory Fire Service
- a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth
- 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.
On 23 December 2021, amendments to the Australian Fire Service Medal Regulations were approved by Her Majesty the Queen enabling the recognition of COVID-19 related service above the annual quotas.
Medal design
The Australian Fire Service Medal 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, which is superimposed with a red pattern symbolising flames. The two outer vertical bands are green.