History
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services carried the state's fire and rescue mission from 2013 until June 2024, and the QFES Medal is that era's career recognition: awarded to uniformed Fire Officers and Fire Communications Dispatch Officers for ten years of demonstrated service, recognising commitment to ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period, with a clasp for each subsequent ten years.
It succeeded the fire service's earlier Diligent and Ethical Service Medal on the same rhythm of decades, and it was presented at the regional medals and awards ceremonies alongside the National Medal and the service's bravery commendations. When Queensland's 2024 reforms replaced QFES with the Queensland Fire Department, careers already recognised kept their QFES Medals, another layer in the fire service's long lineage of names.
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 Queensland fire service issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further decade.
Clasp (each further 10 years)
A clasp is awarded for each subsequent period of ten years served beyond the qualifying decade, worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Eligibility
The medal recognises demonstrated commitment to ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period.
- Uniformed Fire Officers and Fire Communications Dispatch Officers are eligible after ten years of service;
- A clasp is awarded for each additional ten years of 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 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medal awarded for?
Ten years of demonstrated service by uniformed Fire Officers and Fire Communications Dispatch Officers, recognising commitment to ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period.
How are longer careers recognised?
By a clasp for each additional ten years of service.
What came before it?
The fire service's Diligent and Ethical Service Medal, on the same ten year structure, now closed to new awards though its clasps continue for existing holders.
What happened to QFES?
It was dissolved in June 2024, with the fire and rescue and rural fire services forming the Queensland Fire Department, and the SES moving to the Queensland Police Service.
Does fire service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system, presented at the same ceremonies.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.