Cromwell Fire Department Challenge Coin Award

Coin Award Criteria:

1.  Must be members in good standing for five or more years at CFD.

2.  Uphold the mission of the Cromwell Fire Department of protecting the town of

     Cromwell and the surrounding area when called upon for mutual aid with the highest

      level of competency, courtesy and professionalism.

3.  Consistently demonstrate and project the four core values of the department: 

     Teamwork, Respect, Trust and Pride.

4.  Contribute to the department above and beyond required expectations that include

      “behind the scenes” activities to better the department for it’s members.

5.  Coins are not to be given to any non-member of the department.

History:

Back in WWI, a young American pilot was given a bronze medallion that bore the squadron’s insignia by his squadron leader as a memento of their service together.  Shortly after acquiring the medallion, the pilots’ aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck that contained the coin.  He escaped captivity that night during a bombing raid, and found his way into French territory.  The French did not recognize his accent and thinking that he was an enemy spy, they were ready to execute him.  His only identification was the coin.  When he showed it to them they confirmed his identity, and instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.  After this, it became tradition to ensure that all service members carried their medallion or coin at all times.  Coin check challenges are often set up between comrades to prove membership to an organization when challenged and to enhance morale.

For Cromwell Fire Dept. it extends our recognition of our core values: Teamwork, Respect, Trust and Pride and each year we honor selected individuals with Excellence in Performance. The coin thus far, for those who have received it, have regarded it a symbol of brotherhood and camaraderie.