History

The Australian Fire Service Medal was introduced on 12 April 1988 as a replacement for the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry and the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service. The Medal is awarded to members of the Australian Fire Service who render outstanding service. Examples of outstanding service include but are not limited to: preventing fires, developing techniques for fire control, fire prevention training and education, and organising fire service resources.

One medal is awarded for every 1,000 full-time members of the fire services and one for every 5,000 part-time or volunteer firemen. One medal is awarded to a member of the fire service in the Australian Capital Territory and one to a member in the Northern Territory of Australia. Each calendar year, one medal is awarded to a Commonwealth fire service, and from time to time, an award may be given to a fire service in an External Australian Territory.

The obverse of the medal features a seven-pointed star of flames with the Queen’s portrait superimposed over it. The Crown of St. Edward surmounts the medallion. The reverse of the medal features the inscription ‘FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE’ superimposed over a background of flames and the inscription ‘AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL’ around the interior circumference.

Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters AFSM. The reverse features an inscription.