History
The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service covers distances no other Australian fire service contemplates: remote stations hundreds of kilometres apart, where the local volunteer brigade or combined Fire and Emergency Response Group answers every kind of incident because the nearest career firefighters may be half a day away. Its service medal recognises the people who give that mission their years, career and volunteer alike.
The rhythm is published by the service itself: a certificate at five years, the Fire and Rescue Service Medal at ten, and clasps at twenty, thirty and forty years, with the National Medal marking fifteen within the Australian system alongside. The service's roughly 280 volunteers across six brigades and ten Fire and Emergency Response Groups carry much of the Territory's fire cover, and their medals are administered with the rest of the tri-service family by the NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The service does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current NT Fire and Rescue Service issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at the twenty, thirty and forty year marks.
Clasp (20, 30 and 40 years)
Clasps are awarded at the twenty, thirty and forty year marks of service beyond the qualifying decade, worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Eligibility
The medal recognises service with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service.
- It is awarded at ten years of service, following a certificate at five years, with clasps at twenty, thirty and forty years;
- Career firefighters and volunteers of the brigades and Fire and Emergency Response Groups are recognised alike, with awards administered by the NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Agency and state emergency service awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the issuing agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NT Fire and Rescue Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of service with the NTFRS, following a five year certificate, with clasps at twenty, thirty and forty years.
Who is eligible?
Career firefighters and volunteers alike, including the members of the Territory's six volunteer brigades and ten combined Fire and Emergency Response Groups.
What makes NTFRS service distinctive?
Distance. Remote stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart, so volunteers often respond to every kind of incident in their district, from fires to road crash rescue.
Does fire service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of diligent service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
Who administers the awards?
The NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit, which manages recognition across the Territory's police, fire and emergency services.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.