R&R Challenge Coins

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery is selling challenge coins.

They can be purchased for $20.  Coins can be picked up or can be mailed for an additional $3. The coins can be purchased at the link below.

To some, it might just seem like a normal coin. But to members of Parsippany Rescue, the challenge coin stands for much more. It represents the close brotherhood between them and honors members both past and present.

Rescue members don’t have to do anything special to earn the coin. Instead, it is given to them to signify that they are part of the department. While the first coin is distributed freely, many department members have decided to purchase extra coins to trade and give to family, friends and even other fire/EMS departments.

The coin displays truck 69/4 which is our 1988 Swab heavy rescue commonly known as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.  The truck has the optional A-Frame attached on the front. 

The reverse of the coin displays the new 69/4 which is a 2022 Ward. The truck has the crane in the erect position.

Behind both trucks is the official rescue logo.

The coins are 2" in diameter and weighs 2.5 ounces.

A challenge coin is a coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.

Modern day challenge coins may feature popular culture attributes or organizational values. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references, including superheroes and other well-known characters in a way that creates a parody.
 

Challenging!
The tradition of a challenge is the most common way to ensure that members are carrying their unit's coin. The rules of a challenge are not always formalized for a unit, and may vary between organizations. The challenge only applies to those members that have been given a coin formally by their unit. This may lead to some controversy when challenges are initiated between members of different organizations and is not recommended. The tradition of the coin challenge is meant to be a source of morale in a unit. The act of challenging is called a "coin check" and is usually loudly announced.

The challenge, which can be made at any time, begins with the challenger drawing his/her coin, and slapping or placing the coin on the table or bar. In noisy environments, continuously rapping the challenge coin on a surface may initiate the challenge. (Accidentally dropping a challenge coin is considered to be a deliberate challenge to all present.) Everyone being challenged must immediately produce the coin for their organization and anyone failing to do so must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and everyone else who has their challenge coin. However, should everyone challenged be able to produce their coin, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for the group.