The Calgary Fire Department Challenge Coin

The Calgary Fire Department initiated the Challenge Coin program as a display of unity and symbol of the firefighting community. Dating back to World War I, the Challenge Coin should be carried at all times, a permanent reminder of the profession and their place within it. If challenged to produce their coin, the holder should be able to produce theirs, or suffer a forfeit.

In the Calgary Fire Department, firefighters receive their coin after a year of service. The coins are handed out at a ceremony preceding the Fallen Firefighters Memorial every September.