- Aug 9

Applying for a Meritorious Service Award

Meritorious awards recognise outstanding and distinguished service by public servants, members of an Australian police force, fire, ambulance, corrections, intelligence or emergency service, or in support of outstanding work with an Australian Antarctic expedition. Meritorious Service Awards include the Australian Fire Service Medal and Emergency Services Medal.

About the Australian Fire Service Medal Award

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.

It is awarded to career or volunteer, part time or full time members of:

• A State or Territory Fire Service

• A Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth

• Fire Services of the External Territories or Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island and Norfolk Island

Who is eligible?

Career or volunteer members of one of the following Western Australian fire services – either a current or retired member (no more than 12 months since retirement) may be nominated for an AFSM:

• Bush Fire Service

• Fire and Rescue Service

• Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

• Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services

• Fire Services Division of the Department of Parks and Wildlife Nominees must also have recent frontline service with prolonged exposure to hazard in the service of the community.

How is it awarded?

The AFSM is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Emergency Services. Recipients of the AFSM are announced on the Australia Day Honours List in January and the King's Birthday Honours List in June each year. They are entitled to use the letters ‘AFSM’ after their names to show that their outstanding service has being recognised. The recipient is only awarded once and the AFSM is not awarded posthumously.

Medal design

The AFSM 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. 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.

What is the medal awarded for?

To be considered for the AFSM, the nominee needs to have made a significant contribution with prolonged exposure to hazards, had significant deployments, or implemented innovative programs.

Preparing a nomination

Read the nomination guidelines here:

About the Emergency Services Medal Award

The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) recognises distinguished service by members of emergency services across Australia, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education.

It is awarded to career or volunteer, part-time or full time members of:

• A State or Territory Emergency Service

• Defence Force

• Emergency Services of the External Territories or Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island and Norfolk Island

Who is eligible?

Career or volunteer members of one of the following Western Australian services – either a current member or a retired member (no more than 12 months since retirement) may be nominated for an ESM:

• State Emergency Service

• Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services

• Volunteer Marine Rescue Services

• Defence Force remunerated officer of the Commonwealth

• Surf Life Saving Western Australia Nominees must also have recent frontline service with prolonged exposure to hazard in the service of the community.

How is it awarded?

The ESM is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Emergency Services. Recipients of the ESM are announced on the Australia Day Honours List in January and the King's Birthday Honours List in June each year. They are entitled to use the letters ‘ESM’ after their names to show that their outstanding service has being recognised. The recipient is only awarded once and the ESM is not awarded posthumously.

Medal Design

The ESM is a circular silver and bronze medal. The central motif is a raised equilateral triangle with bevelled edges. This is bordered by stylised sprays of wattle. The centre of the triangle features a raised impression of the Federation Star that is surrounded by 24 balls. The balls represent the 24 hours per day the Emergency Service is available to the community. The back of the medal has the inscription ‘For Distinguished Service’. The 32 millimetre wide ribbon features a centre band of an orange and white checkerboard pattern, flanked on each outer edge by a royal blue band.

What is the medal awarded for?

To be considered for the ESM, the nominee needs to have made a significant contribution with prolonged exposure to hazards, had significant deployments, or who has given distinguished service in relation to emergency management, training or education.