Emergency Services Medals

In May 2001, State Cabinet approved a new State Medal and a Ministerial Commendation for the emergency services.

Cabinet approved these awards to recognise the tireless and extraordinary work of persons contributing to community safety through operational emergency service organisations and associated agencies.

The SA Fire & Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) is responsible for administering this award process and making the recommendations to the Minister.

The awards are as follows:

SA Emergency Services Medal (SAESM)

The SAESM is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated "distinguished and/or meritorious services of the highest order" in recognition of significant contribution to the emergency services in South Australia. The SAESM award is a full coin Medal set and framed certificate.

Ministerial Commendation

The Ministerial Commendation is awarded for "meritorious or courageous action" to recognise significant effort, bravery or service. The commendation is a framed certificate and lapel pin.

While we acknowledge that most members of emergency services deserve recognition for their contributions, these Awards are intended for the few individuals or groups who have gone that "extra mile". Years of service alone is not normally sufficient justification for an Award. Their contribution should in some way be considered to be truly extraordinary.

Acts of bravery are also considered for either Award.

Eligibility

All career staff and registered volunteers in these organisations are eligible:

• SA Country Fire Service (SACFS)
• SA Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS)
• SA State Emergency Service (SASES)
• SA Ambulance Service (SAAS)
• Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR)
• Surf Lifesaving SA (SLSSA)
• SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM).

Process

SAFECOM provides nomination forms and information to Chief Officers; they will distribute the forms within their Services.

Return completed nomination forms to Chief Officers. They will ensure sufficient information is provided and endorse nominations for the next stage.

All nominations are forwarded to the SAFECOM Awards Committee. Members of the SAFECOM Awards Committee include

• SAFECOM CEO
• SAMFS Chief Officer
• SACFS Chief Officer
• SASES Chief Officer.

Nominations for the 2021 awards are now open. You are invited to nominate career staff and volunteers for either a 2021 SA Emergency Services Medal or a Ministerial Commendation to the CFS Chief Officer, through the CFS Awards Committee.

The awards seek to recognise the tireless and extraordinary contributions of our people to community safety, whether through an operational or an associated role.

• Further information about the awards
• Nominate an individual or group

It would be appreciated if nominations could be forwarded to the CFS Awards Committee by Thursday 1 July 2021 by either email to cfs.awards@sa.gov.au or in an envelope marked ‘Strictly Confidential’ to:

Deputy Chief Officer
Chair, CFS Awards Committee
SA Country Fire Service
GPO Box 2468
ADELAIDE SA 5000