History
Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services protects the largest emergency management jurisdiction in Australia, 2.5 million square kilometres, and behind its firefighters and volunteers stands the corporate workforce this medal recognises: the WA Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal is awarded to DFES corporate staff who have achieved a minimum of fifteen years of diligent service, with a clasp for each subsequent five years.
Service need not be continuous, and the medal reaches back through the state's institutional history: prior service with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA, the WA Fire Brigades Board, the WA Bush Fires Board, the WA Fire and Rescue Service and the WA State Emergency Service all counts, though volunteer service does not. Medals and clasps are issued automatically once earned, may be awarded posthumously, and are presented at the department's national medals ceremony. In the DFES order of wear the medal leads the department's awards, worn on the left after all Australian honours.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The department 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 DFES issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further five years, with only the current clasp worn.
Clasp (each further 5 years)
A clasp is issued for each subsequent five years of diligent service beyond the qualifying fifteen, issued automatically once earned; only the current medal and clasp are worn.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded to DFES corporate staff who have achieved a minimum of fifteen years of diligent service.
- A clasp is issued for each subsequent five years of diligent service, with total service considered rather than continuous service, and medals and clasps issued automatically once earned;
- Prior service with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA, the WA Fire Brigades Board, the WA Bush Fires Board, the WA Fire and Rescue Service and the WA State Emergency Service counts as eligible service; volunteer service does not;
- The medal may be awarded posthumously and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
DFES awards are not recognised at state or national level, but the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner has determined that DFES medals and ribbon bars may be worn on the left side, after all other Australian honours and awards including the National Medal, in the department's set order: the Diligent Service Medal, then the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, State Emergency Service and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service medals. Only the current medallion, medal or clasp is worn.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WA Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal awarded for?
A minimum of fifteen years of diligent service by DFES corporate staff, with a clasp for each subsequent five years.
Does earlier service count?
Yes. Prior service with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA, the WA Fire Brigades Board, the WA Bush Fires Board, the WA Fire and Rescue Service and the WA State Emergency Service is eligible; volunteer service and other public sector agencies are not.
Do I need to apply?
No. Medals and clasps are issued automatically by the Reward and Recognition Officer once the service is verified, and presented at the department's national medals ceremony.
How is it worn?
On the left side after all Australian honours and awards including the National Medal, first among the DFES medals by the Commissioner's determination.
Can it be awarded posthumously?
Yes.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.