SLVFD Challenge Coin

Established May 18, 2012

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SLVFD Challenge Coins

"Challenge Coins" have a rich military tradition that dates back to World War 1 when a young Airman's life was spared when he escaped as a POW from the Germans and fled to French Allies. The young Airman was only able to prove his identity to the French via his sole possession. A coin containing his unit insignia!!!

As a result of that incident it later became a tradition that all the Airmen carry a copy of their unit coin. To ensure that all unit members were in fact carrying their coins the practice of "Challenging" was introduced. A "challenge" is conducted as follows; when any member of the unit shows their coin (usually by slapping on a table or a bar) all of the other unit members must produce their coin. Any member not producing a coin must buy the next round. In contrast if all members successfully produce a coin the person who initiated the challenge buys. This tradition has widely spread through military units of all branches and has become popular in law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

The SLVFD is a fiercely proud organization and the possession of these coins is meant to be a symbol of the strong fraternal bond experienced by our membership. In the SLVFD's tradition members with 2 or more years of service in good standing are awarded a silver trimmed coin. Honor Roll members receive a gold trimmed coin. It is considered an honor to be "coined". Members are urged to carry them at all times with pride and in recognition of our strong fraternal bond!!! "Challenge" rules are in effect."

The SLVFD "Challenge Coin" was officially unveiled at a ceremony during the SLVFD's annual banquet held at the Red Fox restaurant in Saranac Lake on 5/18/2012.  In an emotional ceremony Honor Roll members present were called to the front of the room and active members present stood and received their coins.  Only when all members present were in possession of their coin sealed in envelopes were they allowed to open the envelopes and see the beautiful design. 

Special Thanks to John Derby for his tireless effort in designing the coin!!!

Honor Roll Members receive gold trimmed "Challenge Coins" L-R Mary Kent-posthumously for her husband Harrison Kent, Jack Sweeny, Mike Boon-posthumously for his brother Robert Boon, Gene Goff, Don Fina for himself and posthumously for his brother Tom Fina, Chet Fobare, and John Wamsganz	Active Members stand to receive silver trimmed "Challenge Coins"

Photo's taken at original "coining" ceremony 5/18/2012

Click Here To Read More About The History And Tradition Of "Challenge Coins"