Honoring Heroic Actions With Firefighter Challenge Coins

Firefighters often put their lives in danger to help others and therefore should be awarded for their bravery as hometown heroes.  Ceremonies are often held to honor these individuals. Instead of giving simple gifts consider awarding them unique medallions such as firefighter challenge coins. They serve as unspoken expressions for courage, honor and selflessness exhibited by firefighters during the course of duty.

To receive a coin that was commissioned for a specific firefighter's benefit, celebrates the individual and fellow co-workers. Let's look at several occasions, which merit this accolade.

The Posthumous Firefighters Challenge Coin

The posthumous challenge coin is custom created in tribute of the deceased firefighter. Each custom-crafted coin is as unique as was the individual. Working with text, drawings and/or a picture of the firefighter, the designer processes a completed coin from original ideas. Text usually consists of names, dates and perhaps the fireman's unit number. The chosen text is engraved using a laser process.

The photograph goes through offset printing and is finished out with an epoxy dome to preserve the image. Although we generally think of coins as round, there are a myriad of unusual shapes to select from.

Challenge coins distributed during the firefighter's memorial service may be presented in black velvet, either a box or bag. This provides a discreet and classy aura to the presentation, during a solemn moment in time. The velvet container also safeguards the luster and life of the medallion.

The tangible tribute to the fallen firefighter is often showcased at his/her fire station to preserve their memory and incite a team-working persona in fellow firefighters.

Ceremonial Firefighter Challenge Coins

Firefighters put their lives on the line on a daily basis. It is not unusual for an individual or an entire unit to go beyond their calling and demonstrate extraordinary valor.

These brave men and women should and sometimes are honored at a special ceremony. The challenge coin is symbolic of heroic action, making it the ideal award for outstanding bravery in the line of duty.

First Responder Reward

In times of disaster, firefighters are deemed first responders on the scene. During the drastic days following September 11, 1011 or 911, firefighters worked tirelessly around the clock in effort to save lives and locate the deceased.

In ordinary times when emergencies arise, firefighters are deemed first responders. They assess the situation and are often responsible for keeping people alive, prior to other responder's arrival on the scene.

It's a pity that as citizens, we fail to honor these courageous men and women for their devoted services frequently. The first responder coin serves as a small, but traditionally valued token of our appreciation, when, in fact, we do reward them.

The date of the event can be engraved on the first responder coin to commemorate the awards ceremony,

Miscellaneous Awards

With the awareness that firefighter challenge coins are available, fire chiefs and mayors might consider miscellaneous awards to heighten morale and acknowledge achievement.

Here are innovative suggestions:

•     Gift oldest and youngest firefighter on their birthday.
•     Award length of service in 5-year increments.
•     Incentive for new recruits upon job acceptance.
•     Commend an entire unit for job dedication.
•     Annual award on hire date for perfect attendance.