History

The Fire Service Decoration was originally instituted by King Karl I on December 20, 1885. The decoration was awarded to voluntary firemen who rendered at least 25 years of uninterrupted and irreproachable service. As of November 23, 1898, the decoration could be awarded to professional firemen.

On December 27, 1912, the Type II Fire Service Decoration was introduced by King Wilhelm II. The decoration was presented in the form of a medal on the recommendation of the Württemberg Fire Brigade.

It is estimated that the Type I decoration was awarded 4,000 times.