Participation badges for civil protection activities
On May 9, 2025, Decree No. 1225 of the Head of the Civil Protection Department established a badge for participation in civil protection activities, with regulations defined later by Decree No. 2085 on July 14, 2025.
Purpose of the award. This certification is awarded as a form of recognition for participation in civil protection activities designated by the Department's Head. These activities may be outlined in specific measures released periodically. In exceptional circumstances, recognition can also be given for activities that do not involve a declared state of national emergency or a state of general mobilization.
Eligible recipients. The participation badge is awarded individually to members of civil protection volunteer organizations that are registered on the national list. It is also given to individuals from other national operational structures who have contributed to the management of civil protection activities.
Award components. The participation badge includes a diploma issued by the Civil Protection Department at its own expense and a badge that individuals can purchase.
There are three classes of awards: the first class is given for participation in the first event; the second class is awarded after the seventh event; and the third class is granted after the thirteenth event. These awards must adhere to the technical standards outlined in the decree issued by the Head of the Civil Protection Department, No. 2085, dated July 14, 2025.
Application process. To receive the badge-related diploma, individuals should request that their organization send the necessary information to the Civil Protection Department using a specific platform called PDP (Piattaforma Informatica per il Distintivo di Partecipazione), which is currently under development. The required information includes first and last name, place and date of birth, tax code, email address, number of events already attended, as specified by the decree of the Head of Department. The handling of this personal data will be performed in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the information notice issued by the Department.
Distinction between badge and public merit awards. The participation badge is different from public merit awards. The badge is awarded as a form of commemoration for participating in events or emergencies identified by the Head of Department. In contrast, the public merit award recognizes exceptional merit specifically related to emergencies and has stricter requirements that must be met in order to be considered. Additionally, the decision to award a public merit recognition involves the assessment of a specific Commission.