King's Police and Fire Service Medal

Summary

The King's Police and Fire Service Medal was instituted in 1909 by King Edward VII, recognising exceptional service in police and fire personnel.
The medal was awarded for acts of courage, skill, or devotion to duty, with a red stripe on the ribbon when awarded for gallantry.
Recipients of the award use the post-nominal KPFSM from 1940.
The medal was discontinued in 1954, replaced by separate medals for police (Queen’s/King's Police Medal) and fire service (Queen’s/King's Fire Service Medal).
209 Australians received the medal, including 70 for gallantry, before its replacement.

Description

The King's Police and Fire Service Medal is one of the older awards, instituted in 1909 by King Edward VII but discontinued in 1954 when separate medals for police and for fire service were substituted.

The medal was originally titled the King's Police Medal even though it could be awarded for fire service. Given to police or fire personnel who perform 'acts of exceptional courage and skill or who had exhibited conspicuous devotion to duty'.

Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the post-nominal KPFSM, the name adopted from 1940.

King's Police and Fire Service Medal

Design

In 1933 steps were taken to better identify whether the medal had been given for gallantry or performance of duties with appropriate inscriptions added to the reverse of the medallion and a thin red line added to the centre of the medal ribbon when awarded for gallantry.

The ribbon was originally dark blue with silver edges, but was altered in 1916 to add a central silver stripe. As noted, a thin red central stripe distinguished the award for gallantry. Between 1909 and 1954 when the last award was made to an Australian, 209 Australians were recipients, including 70 for gallantry. Replaced by the Queen's Police Medal and the Queen's Fire Service Medal. Later still replaced in Australian honours with the Australian Police Medal and the Australian Fire Service Medal.