The first person to receive the Kings Fire Service Medal was Christopher James Kemp from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service whose investiture took place on the morning of 27 September 2023.

It was also formerly awarded by Commonwealth countries, most of which now have their own honours systems.

Members of recognised fire brigades were eligible for the King's Police Medal from its creation in July 1909, with the award renamed the King's Police and Fire Services Medal in September 1940.

[5] Recipients from 8 September 2022 may use the post-nominal letters "KFSM".

There is provision for the forfeiture of the award in the event of a recipient later being convicted of a criminal offence.