History
Behind the ACT's ambulances, fire appliances and orange overalls stands the ACT Emergency Services Agency, formed in the aftermath of the 2003 Canberra firestorm to bring the Territory's emergency services under one roof. The ESA Long Service Medal recognises ten years of service with the agency itself: the communications officers, planners, logisticians and emergency management staff who assist the community during times of crisis from enabling roles rather than the frontline.
The medal is presented at the agency's annual long service ceremonies beside the medals of its four operational services, the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire and Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service and the ACT State Emergency Service, a family of awards that between them have honoured thousands of combined years of service to the capital.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The agency 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 ACT Emergency Services Agency issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises long service with the ACT Emergency Services Agency.
- It is awarded at ten years of service, recognising staff who assist the community during times of crisis in enabling services and emergency management roles;
- Awards are presented at the agency's long service ceremonies alongside the medals of its operational services;
- 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 ACT Emergency Services Agency Long Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of service with the ESA, recognising the staff who support the Territory's emergency services from enabling and emergency management roles.
How does it differ from the services' own medals?
The ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire and Rescue, ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT State Emergency Service each award their own long service medals; the ESA medal covers the agency's own staff.
What is the ESA?
The umbrella agency for the ACT's emergency services, formed after the 2003 Canberra firestorm.
Does ESA service count toward national awards?
Eligible emergency service careers can earn the National Medal at fifteen years within the Australian honours system; the ESA presents both at the same ceremonies.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the agency's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.