History
The medal was instituted in 2004 as the NSW Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, marking the 120th anniversary of the Fire Brigades Bill of 1884 that founded the organised fire service in New South Wales. When the brigades became Fire and Rescue NSW in January 2011 the medal took the new name, and it continues as the service's recognition of diligent long service and good conduct by its members, with ten years of eligible service required.
It is the career medal of the state's professional firefighters, sitting beneath the service's honours for the exceptional: the Medal for Conspicuous Bravery and the commendations for courageous action and meritorious service. Like all Fire and Rescue NSW awards it stands outside the national system, in which fifteen years of firefighting service can separately earn the National Medal.
Design & ribbon
The medal
Fire and Rescue NSW 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 Fire and Rescue NSW issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises diligent long service and good conduct by members of Fire and Rescue NSW.
- Ten years of eligible service are required;
- The medal was instituted in 2004 as the NSW Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and renamed in January 2011 with the service;
- 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 FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal awarded for?
Ten years of diligent long service and good conduct by members of Fire and Rescue NSW.
Why do some versions say NSW Fire Brigade?
The medal was instituted in 2004 under the brigades' name, marking 120 years since the Fire Brigades Bill of 1884, and took the Fire and Rescue NSW name when the organisation was renamed in January 2011. It is the same medal.
What sits above it in the service's honours?
The Medal for Conspicuous Bravery for exceptional bravery on or off duty, with the Commendations for Courageous Action and for Meritorious Service.
Does firefighting service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with Fire and Rescue NSW dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.