History

The Medal of Honour for Firefighters was created in 1900, and is awarded both for long service and exceptional acts of courage and bravery in the line of duty.

The Medal is divided into Types. Type I includes the awards granted for long service, while Type II includes the awards granted for courage and bravery.

In Type I, on May 25, 1903 the Medal was extended to firefighters in Algeria. It was identical to the one awarded in France, but was worn with a silver star and crescent moon clasp.

At the time of its creation, the Medal had one silver grade that was awarded for 30 years of service. On December 12, 1934, two additional grades were created. The Silver Medal is awarded for 20 years of service, the Gilt Medal is awarded for 25 years of service, and the Gold Medal is awarded to volunteer firefighters for 30 years of service, and to professional firefighters for 35 years of service.

It is uncertain when the Medal for Firefighters in Algeria ceased to be awarded.

There are two versions of the Medal which vary in engraving. The first version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Firefighters 1900, Ministry of the Interior.” The second version has an obverse inscription that translates to “Tribute to Devotion, Ministry of the Interior.” The suspension varies according to grade.

There may be versions of the Medal that vary in size, composition, or manufacturer.