Air Force Fire Patches & Badges
Graphics Courtesy of Brian D. Rath

I have long felt that badges/insignia for the traditional levels as well as some of the unique positions in AF fire protection should be developed.  The badges/patches below include the four official levels (fire fighter, 3, 4, and 5 bugles) as well as the other traditional levels adopted for Air Force Reserve Command civilian fire fighters.  Some insignia is not currently worn but the idea has to start somewhere.  The command and AF fire staff and the command and AF fire chief badges are new levels designed to represent our senior fire officials.  The fire marshal badge is what I think is more appropriate for individuals that want to wear a badge but are not fire officers.

The use of gold in the fire service is steeped in tradition.  It is a traditional symbol of leadership and command.  In our modern era, we define it as "fire officers.

Gold should be worn only by individuals who (1) are in fire officer duty positions and (2) are certified fire officers.  For example, command staff members who are not fire officers would wear the badge with nickel/silver bugles and wreath rather than gold.  Fire marshals who are not fire officers would wear the fire chiefs badge except that the bugles will be nickel/silver rather than gold.  Fire inspectors and alarm room operators are others that may have reached the level of pay of a fire officer but are not certified as fire officers. 

Click here to vote on for the way the DoD should address fire badges in the future.

Information from the Heraldry office:  Subdued   Color   Desert   AFRC    Badge