Fire Department Challenge Coins Honor Lost Comrades
Honoring the memory of those who gave their lives to save others
Fire department challenge coins are a popular way to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters throughout the nation. They are an excellent way to commemorate the lives of firefighters lost in the line of duty.
Few non-firefighters (“civilians,” if you will) appreciate the dangers firefighters face every time they go out on a call. From traffic crashes to building collapses and even explosions, the list of dangers is virtually endless. Although many departments have an unofficial motto of “Everybody goes home,” the grim fact is that not everybody does.
In Charleston, S.C., a 2007 fire at a furniture store and warehouse took the lives of nine firefighters. The 2013 Yarnell Hill wildfire in Arizona killed 19 members of an elite wildfire fighting team. And of course, we'll never forget the 343 who lost their lives on 9/11.
While such tragedies garner news headlines, most line-of-duty deaths occur one at a time. They can include stress-related heart attacks while on duty. The cause is irrelevant – the simple fact is that the individual gave his or her life in the interest of protecting others.
Fire department challenge coins have long been popular as a way to commemorate department and squad events. They can be a perfect means of memorializing fallen comrades as well.
St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters worldwide, is an apt image for such a coin. The classic St. Florian’s Cross or Maltese Cross also are fitting. Any reputable provider of custom coins can help you create a design that is both attractive and appropriate.
Another way to use custom coins is to sell them as fundraisers. One Michigan department is doing just that, to raise money to build a memorial to Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski, who was struck and killed by a car while working an accident scene near Kalamazoo on June 14, 2017.
The coin design features the Comstock department’s shield on one side, and a 3D image of Switalski, in his turnout coat and helmet on the reverse. You can see it here.
When it comes to fire department challenge coins, you want a supplier that’s been in business long enough to have a track record and a history of satisfied customers. Especially if you’re ordering memorial coins, you want a company that knows how to produce good-looking, durable coins, and will stand behind what they sell.
That’s where a company such as ChallengeCoins4Less.com can shine. We’ve been creating challenge coins for fire departments around the world for nearly 15 years. We back up everything we sell with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. And we simply will not be undersold on price.
Most importantly, our artists are talented and experienced. They know the importance of fire department challenge coins, and are dedicated to your total satisfaction with your coins. They take pride in every design they create. They will gladly help you design the perfect coin to remember a fallen colleague.
Just like you, we never forget the people we’re working for, and the reasons behind the coins they order. We know your coins are important to you, and we look forward to serving all your needs for custom coins.
