✚8451✚ German post WW2 Schleswig-Holstein Gold Fire Service Cross for 40 Years

Original German Schleswig-Holstein Fire Service Decoration for 40 Years' Service (Gold Grade) post WW2 medal - BEAUTIFUL CONDITION, INTACT ENAMEL, PERFECT PIN DEVICE, VERY GOOD EXAMPLE

HISTORY OF THE AWARD:

Schleswig-Holstein Silver Fire Service Decoration for 40 years’ service (Goldenes Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen für 40 Dienstjahre) - Gilt-edged white enamel cross pattée, with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a gilt coats of arms of Schleswig-Holstein the arms of the cross decorated with red enamel gilt-edged flames. The reverse inscribed ‘FÜR VERDIENSTE IM BRANDSCHUTZ’ (for merit in fire defence). This is the current award for 40 years’ active service in the Fire Service of Schleswig-Holstein. As usual in Germany, the fire protection decoration is awarded in three stages: 1st stage fire protection award in silver for 25 years active service, 2nd stage Fire protection award in gold for 40-year active duty, 3rd stage fire protection award of honor in gold special stage. While the 1st and 2nd level of the honorary award can receive all members of the volunteer fire brigades, professional fire brigades and recognized fire brigades, the special stage is given to firefighters as well as to other persons who have distinguished themselves by their particularly brave and determined behaviour in the fire service.