Fire and Rescue Awards

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to paid and volunteer members by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the responsible Commonwealth, state and territory ministers.

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

On 12 April 1988 a distinctly Australian award, the Australian Fire Service Medal, was created by Letters Patent. 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

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 occasional 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 (January 26) and the King’s Birthday (June) of each year.

Only one award can be made to an individual. Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AFSM.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) Medal is recognition of members who have completed ten years continuous meritorious service in the NTFRS - unpaid employees like auxiliaries and volunteers are eligible after ten years cumulative service.

A bar may be awarded after each further ten year period of service.