First Responder Reference
Complete First Responder Badge Guide: Police, Fire, EMS, Security & Public Safety
Comprehensive reference covering every first responder badge type—from police and firefighter to EMT, security, and specialized public safety roles
First responders across police, fire, EMS, and security use distinct badge designs that identify their specific role and authority. Police typically use star or shield badges, firefighters use Maltese crosses or shields, EMT/paramedics use circles or shields with star-of-life symbols, and security officers use custom designs based on authority level. Each profession has unique badge requirements, visual conventions, and legal considerations. This comprehensive guide covers every first responder badge type with design options, career information, and ordering guidance. Browse all first responder badges or explore profession-specific options below.
Table of Contents
First responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and security personnel—serve as the frontline of public safety. Each profession uses distinctive badges and patches that identify their specific role, authority level, and department affiliation. Understanding these badge types helps departments make informed purchasing decisions while maintaining professional appearance standards and legal compliance.
This comprehensive guide explores badge designs across all first responder professions, from traditional police stars and firefighter Maltese crosses to modern security badges and specialized public safety roles. Whether you’re outfitting a new department, planning a career in public safety, or researching badge options for your agency, this reference provides detailed information on every first responder badge type available.
We’ll cover design conventions, legal requirements, career pathways, and practical ordering guidance for every first responder profession. For comprehensive information on choosing between metal badges versus embroidered patches, see our detailed cost comparison guide.
Police Officer Badge Designs
Police badges represent law enforcement authority and serve as official credentials for officers making arrests. Most police departments use star or shield configurations with department names, badge numbers, and jurisdictional identifiers. Design selection often reflects regional traditions, department history, and specific role requirements.
| Badge Type | Typical Use | Visual Authority | Regional Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shield Police | Eastern US, Urban | Traditional police authority | Northeast, NYC |
| 5-Point Star | Western US, Rural | Classic law enforcement | Texas, Southwest |
| 6-Point Star | Midwest, State Police | State-level authority | Illinois, Michigan |
| Eagle Top Shield | Federal, State Agencies | Governmental authority | Federal/State |
Shield-Style Police Badges
Shield badges dominate Eastern and urban departments, particularly influenced by NYPD-style shields. Available configurations include shield 13-F19-2, 13-F19-3, 13-F19-4, 13-F19-7, and 13-F19 standard. Additional shield designs include 13-F21-2, 13-F21, 13-G1, 13-H1, and 13-B19.
Star-Configuration Police Badges
Five-point stars remain popular in Western states. Options include 5-point 14-A1-2, 14-B10, 14-B1, 14-B4, 14-C1, and 14-D10-3. Seven-point configurations include 15-H11-1 and 15-H11-2.
For officers considering law enforcement careers, our comprehensive police academy requirements guide covers entrance requirements, training expectations, and career preparation across all states.
11-Series Extended Police Collection
The popular 11-series offers extensive variations: 11-18H14, 11-19F1, 11-D16, 11-D17, 11-D22TX Texas-style, 11-E1, 11-F4, 11-F5, and 11-G1.
Specialty Police Designs
Unique configurations include 1-A10 standard, 12-D17-2, NYPD sunburst designs including circle center 25-A1 and square 23-A1. For complete design reference, see our comprehensive badge design guide.
K9 officers often carry specialized badges incorporating dog imagery or unit designations. Our detailed K9 unit guide covers breed selection, training requirements, and unit badge customization options for police dog programs.
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Sheriff & Deputy Badge Designs
Sheriff badges traditionally feature star configurations, distinguishing county sheriff offices from municipal police departments. The star shape connects to Old West law enforcement traditions and remains standard across most sheriff jurisdictions nationwide.
Five-Point Sheriff Stars
Classic five-point designs include 5-point star in circle 19-A2 and rounded edges 14-C1.
Six-Point Sheriff Stars
Six-point configurations include 6-point with circle banner 19-H20 and 6-pointed 19-F3.
Seven-Point Sheriff Stars
Traditional seven-point designs include 7-point 16-H12 and 7-pointed 16-H20. Visit our complete sheriff badge collection for all available designs.
Firefighter Badge Designs
Firefighter badges typically feature Maltese cross designs or shield shapes with flame imagery. Badge designs often incorporate fire department symbols, ladder companies, engine numbers, and rank designations.
Shield-Style Firefighter Badges
Professional shield designs include shield 13-B1-2, 13-B1, 13-C1, and 13-F30.
Eagle Top Firefighter Designs
Command staff configurations include eagle top 3-C15, 4-A1, and 4T-F1.
For those interested in firefighting careers, our comprehensive volunteer firefighter guide covers application processes, training requirements, time commitments, and career advancement opportunities from volunteer to career firefighter positions.
EMS & EMT Badge Designs
Emergency medical services personnel use badges featuring the Star of Life symbol and certification level indicators. Badge designs distinguish EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced, and Paramedic certification levels while maintaining professional EMS identity.
EMT Badge Collections
Professional EMT badges include EMT 1-A10, circle designs 2-C10-2, 2-C13-3, and 2-C13 standard. View complete EMT badge options and EMS badge designs.
Police badges emphasize authority and arrest power. Firefighter badges highlight bravery and rescue capability. EMT/EMS badges focus on medical expertise and life-saving credentials. Each badge type visually communicates the specific first responder role and training level to the public.
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Shop All Badges →Security & Supervisor Badge Designs
Security officers and supervisors require badges that communicate authority while distinguishing from law enforcement. Security badge designs balance professional appearance with clear non-police identification, particularly important for licensed security personnel operating under state regulations.
For comprehensive state-by-state requirements, see our detailed security officer badge requirements guide covering licensing, badge regulations, and legal compliance for all 50 states.
Eagle Top Security Supervisor Badges
Command staff badges include eagle top 2-C12, 2-C13, 3-C11-2, and 3-C15.
Oval Security Supervisor Designs
Oval configurations include oval 5-D10, 5-D11, and 6-D11.
Shield Security Supervisor Badges
Shield designs include shield 1-A10. View complete security supervisor badge collection.
Specialized First Responder Roles
Beyond traditional police, fire, and EMS, numerous specialized first responder roles require distinctive badge identification including fugitive recovery, campus safety, event security, and corrections personnel.
Fugitive Recovery Agent Badges
Recovery agent badges include 5-point stars: 14-J1IL and 14-C1. Six-point configurations include 18-A1, 18-P1, 19-H17, and 19-H18.
Seven-point stars include 15-H11-1, 15-H11-2, 16-H31 with ribbons, and 16-H20 top ribbon. Additional designs include 19-H15, circles 2-C10-2, 20-A16-2, 21-BH1, 3-C11, and specialty 21-H2DT.
For those considering careers in executive protection and close protection, our comprehensive bodyguard career guide covers training requirements, licensing, physical fitness standards, and career advancement from entry-level to high-profile protection details.
Campus Safety & Event Badges
Campus and event security badges include event 2-C10-2, 3-C11, and 5-D10. For those pursuing campus safety careers, our detailed campus safety officer guide covers educational requirements, certification paths, and the unique responsibilities of campus law enforcement and safety professionals.
Corrections & Marshal Badges
Specialty badges include oval corrections 22-F2 and marshal badge 20-A18.
Specialty Badge Products
Additional products include customized badges CB4-A1, air freshener badges including eagle top #16, #17, #18, #19, reverse enamel 3-C11R, and sticker badge STR1-A1.
First Responder Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches provide cost-effective identification for shoulder placement, training uniforms, and non-sworn personnel across all first responder disciplines. Departments often use patches for shoulder identification while reserving metal badges for chest authority placement.
For complete analysis of when to use patches versus metal badges, see our comprehensive metal badges vs embroidered patches comparison guide with real cost breakdowns and durability testing.
Police & Security Patches
T-series patches include T13-A1, T2-A4, T5-A1, T7-A1, and T8-A1.
Security patches include T1A1, T2-A1, T2-A2, T3-B1, and T4A2.
TS-series patches include TS14-A1-2, TS18-A1, TS4-B1, TS4-B1-2, and TS14-B2.
For departments interested in custom patch design, see our guides on custom law enforcement patches and custom police patch design covering design considerations, color selection, and ordering processes.
Metal badges are required for sworn officers with arrest authority. Patches work perfectly for shoulder identification, training uniforms, security personnel, and auxiliary officers. Many departments save 40-60% by using metal badges for chest authority and patches for shoulders—maintaining professional appearance while dramatically reducing uniform costs.
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Our team helps police, fire, EMS, and security agencies select appropriate badge designs that meet professional standards and legal requirements.
First Responder Career Pathways
Understanding first responder badges often begins with exploring career opportunities in public safety. Each profession requires specific training, certification, and badge authorization before personnel can carry official credentials.
| First Responder Role | Typical Training | Badge Authorization | Career Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | Academy: 3-6 months | Upon academy graduation | View Guide |
| Firefighter | Volunteer: Variable | Upon department acceptance | View Guide |
| Campus Safety | Varies by institution | Upon hiring & training | View Guide |
| Bodyguard | Private training varies | State licensing dependent | View Guide |
International First Responder Careers
For those interested in Canadian public safety careers, our comprehensive Canadian police forces guide covers RCMP, provincial police services, and municipal departments across all Canadian provinces. The UK detective system differs significantly from US law enforcement—see our detective constable guide for British police rank structures and career progression.
Specialized Training & Certifications
Campus safety officers often need specialized training in Clery Act compliance for reporting campus crime statistics. Law enforcement officers carrying firearms must meet firearms qualification requirements that vary significantly by state and department.
Legal Compliance & Badge Laws
Understanding badge laws prevents legal issues and protects both departments and individual officers. Impersonation statutes, badge display requirements, and authority limitations vary significantly by jurisdiction and role.
Common Badge-Related Legal Questions
Our comprehensive legal compliance guides address frequent questions:
- Is it illegal to refuse ID to police? – State-by-state identification laws and when you must provide ID to officers
- Is it illegal to have police lights? – Emergency vehicle equipment laws by jurisdiction
- Is it illegal to buy a police badge? – Badge purchasing laws, collector badges versus official credentials
- Complete police law guide – Comprehensive reference covering badge impersonation, equipment restrictions, and legal authority boundaries
Badge authority levels from highest to lowest:
- Federal Agents – FBI, DEA, US Marshals (nationwide authority)
- State Police – Statewide law enforcement jurisdiction
- Sheriff Deputies – County-wide authority, elected oversight
- Municipal Police – City/town jurisdiction only
- Campus Police – Institutional property with arrest powers
- Security Officers – Private property only, no arrest power
- Auxiliary/Reserve – Limited authority, support roles
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do police use stars and firefighters use shields?
Badge shapes evolved from historical traditions. Police stars originated from U.S. Marshals and western sheriffs, symbolizing law enforcement authority across frontier territories. Firefighter shields and Maltese crosses connect to medieval firefighting traditions and symbolize protection and bravery. Regional variations persist—Eastern urban police often use shields while Western rural departments prefer stars.
Can EMTs and paramedics make arrests?
No. EMTs and paramedics are medical professionals without law enforcement authority. Their badges identify medical credentials and certification levels, not arrest powers. In situations requiring law enforcement intervention, EMS personnel call police officers who carry appropriate arrest authority and weapons.
What’s the difference between campus police and campus safety?
Campus police are sworn law enforcement officers with full arrest powers, typically at larger universities. They use police-style badges and carry weapons. Campus safety officers have limited security authority without arrest powers, similar to security guards. Badge designs should reflect actual legal authority—police badges for sworn officers, security-style badges for safety personnel without police powers.
Do all first responders need metal badges?
Sworn officers making arrests require metal badges as official credentials. Other first responders can use embroidered patches for identification, especially for shoulder placement. Many departments use hybrid approaches: metal badges for chest authority identification, embroidered patches for shoulders. This maintains professional appearance while reducing costs 40-60%.
How do security officer badges differ from police badges?
Security badges must clearly indicate “SECURITY” or “SECURITY OFFICER” text and avoid designs closely resembling police badges. Many states prohibit security badges using shapes, colors, or text that might confuse public perception of authority. Security personnel have no arrest powers—their authority extends only to property protection and calling actual law enforcement when needed.
What happens if I wear a badge I’m not authorized for?
Wearing unauthorized law enforcement badges constitutes impersonation, a serious criminal offense in all states. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on context and intent. Collector badges must be clearly identified as replicas. Always verify your state’s specific badge laws and only wear badges for which you have legitimate authority and proper credentials.
- Police badges use stars or shields reflecting regional traditions and departmental history
- Firefighter badges feature Maltese crosses or shields with flame imagery and rank designations
- EMT/EMS badges display Star of Life symbols and certification level indicators
- Security badges must clearly differentiate from law enforcement to avoid impersonation charges
- Metal badges required for sworn officers with arrest authority
- Embroidered patches work for shoulders and training saving 40-60% on uniform costs
- Badge authority reflects actual legal jurisdiction from federal agents to security officers
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Author: Owl Badges Team
Last Updated: February 2026
Tags: First Responder Badges, Police Badges, Firefighter Badges, EMT Badges, Security Badges, Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Badge Guide