Physical Description

A cut-out rectangular clasp, constructed of silver and silver gilt. The frame is in silver. The obverse features the golden coat of arms of Schwarzburg with a crown on top and firefighter tools to both sides. The reverse features a horizontal pinback. On a ribbon bar, on a blue ribbon with white side stripes.

History

The Fire Service Decoration was first introduced on June 11, 1895 by Prince Karl Günther of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. The decoration was conferred upon those who rendered at least 25 years of loyal service with the fire service. It was also conferred upon firefighters who distinguished themselves by providing extraordinary service at the scene of a fire.

As of December 18, 1907, recipients who received the award for acts of extraordinary merit at the scene of a fire were issued an additional clasp that featured the inscription "FÜR VERDIENST A.D. BRANDSTÄTTE”.

As of August 21, 1911, the decoration was awarded in both Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. The Fire Service Decoration that had been instituted in 1895 became the II Class decoration.

The I Class Bar was awarded with a clasp that featured the inscription “FÜR VERDIENST A.D. BRANDSTÄTTE”.