Tips For Designing Fire Department Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins are a staple of fire departments across the nation. They’re a popular way to boost department camaraderie and morale, reward outstanding performance, commemorate milestone events, or honor fallen comrades.

The heroes who heed the call of duty are committed to rescuing those in danger, even at the risk of their own lives, and deserve to be honored. Creating the perfect coin design for your department, station or squad isn’t hard. With a little planning and help from your coin provider, you can craft a coin that captures the essence of your department.

Origins of Fire Department Coins

Challenge coins have long been a part of military life in every branch of the armed forces. They’re a time-honored way for military members to commemorate shared experiences, deployments and special duties.

Fire departments were among the first organizations outside of the military to adopt challenge coins. That’s hardly surprising, given that fire departments and other first responder agencies typically follow a military-style command structure.

Custom fire department coins are more than just a simple keepsake. They represent hard work, determination, and loyalty. Let's take a closer look at firefighter challenge coins and how you can design your own. 

Design Basics

Designing a challenge coin is a great way for your department to show your staff that they are part of a dedicated team, something bigger than just themselves. Challenge coins are a way to show your department’s gratitude for the sacrifice, risks and tireless work members experience every day. Challenge coins may be small, but they can be quite meaningful to all who receive them. 

Tell a Story

A challenge coin should tell a story. One of the best ways to do that is with a phrase or motto unique to your department. A quote or saying that is significant will add to the meaning of your coin. 

Challenge coins, properly designed, will commemorate and motivate. They help enhance squad cohesion and loyalty. While the imagery is eye-catching, words can be even more meaningful. You can include the philosophy of your organization, a particular role, or a slogan that inspires. 

Common Firefighting Symbols

Firefighting has a rich history and features multiple symbols that evoke pride. The St. Florian’s Cross is one of the most common symbols found on firefighter challenge coins. Unlike the Maltese Cross with which it is often confused, the eight-pointed St. Florian’s Cross predates the Crusades. Both the Florian cross and the Maltese cross are honored symbols of firefighters’ courage and dedication. 

A "scramble" of classic fire rescue tools is another popular element to include on firefighter challenge coins. Use these details in conjunction with firefighting logos and imagery. Consider using tools such as axes, ladders, or a helmet, to represent your team's preparedness. 

Firefighter challenge coins sometimes also feature Dalmatians. The beloved spotted dogs have long been seen as companions and mascots of firehouses, originally used to calm the horses pulling fire wagons. 

Choose Colors that Stand Out

When designing fire department challenge coins, traditional colors such as red are a way to make your design pop. Keep in mind that your coin has two sides. You can make "fire engine red" the color of one side and use another color on the other. Black, yellow and white are also common colors for most departments. 

The colors of your coin will make it unique and specific to your department. Remember that you can make an impression with just a small accent color. You don't need a lot of color to make a difference. In fact, sometimes less is more.

For more specific tips on coin size, shape, custom edges and other option, see our main Design page.

Add Specific Local Touches

Once you have a basic design in mind, you can add details that reflect the personal mementos of your team. Inside jokes, local monuments, and familiar landmarks are all good options. For example, the Fire Department of New York included the Empire State Building on their coins. The FDNY later commissioned memorial coins, shown above, honoring the firefighters lost on 9/11. Unique details such as these add a personal touch that make your coins even more relevant to your department..

You can also choose to highlight specialized skills in  your design. For example, you could create unique coins for your HAZMAT teams, arson investigators or other areas of specific expertise. 

Mascots that represent your fire department are a nice addition as well. It could be an animal, character, or other image recognizable to your department. Add something serious, or create something fun and lighthearted. The options are up to you, as you have full creative control over your challenge coin. 

Involve the Squad

One way to get great department coins is to involve the firefighters themselves. There is no better way to create something special than by involving your team in the process. Discuss design possibilities and get feedback on the challenge coin they would like to see. You’ll gather creative ideas and make the firefighters feel a part of the design process. Next, limit the options and have them vote on a final design. 

The Right Provider Makes A Difference

At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we have been designing and producing challenge coins for more than 20 years. We have had the privilege of creating custom challenge coins for fire departments, police departments, EMS and other first responders throughout the country. 

We know how important firefighter custom coins can be. When you put your turnout gear on and step onto the rig, you’re putting your life on the line on every call. That’s why we work with you every step of the way to craft custom challenge coins your team will be proud to carry and display.

If you want to design a stunning challenge coin for your fire department, we’re here to help. We make ordering custom coins fast and easy. For more information, call us toll-free at (855) 272-8451 or email us at [email protected].  Already have an idea for your design? You can also fill out our no-obligation free quote form. We'll help you create  the perfect challenge coins for your department.