How to mark years of CAL FIRE service on your uniform, per the Service Star Configuration exhibit (revised December 2021) and the Uniform Insignia Display exhibit (revised July 2023).
What service stars represent
One ¾″ five-point gold star = 5 years of service.
Spec: - Size: ¾″ - Color: gold - Shape: five-point - Per the rules: one star for every five (5) years of service
Where they go
On the Class A coat sleeve
- Stars are embroidered on the left sleeve of the Class A coat.
- They sit ½″ above the braid.
- The braid itself sits ½″ above the sleeve, with the bottom of the braid 3″ above the cuff.
- Required for Class A.
On the long-sleeve uniform shirt sleeve
- Stars are embroidered on the left sleeve of the long sleeve uniform shirt.
- They sit ¾″ above the sleeve/cuff seam.
- Optional on the long sleeve shirt.
How to lay them out
The exhibit's diagram shows the canonical 6-star configuration with stars numbered 1 through 6. From the diagram: - Stars 1, 2, 3 sit in the bottom row — star 1 in the center, star 2 to its left, star 3 to its right. - Stars 4 and 5 sit in the row above — flanking star 1 (4 to the upper-left, 5 to the upper-right). - Star 6 sits at the top center, above the line between stars 4 and 5.
Refer to the exhibit's diagram for the authoritative visual layout.
The 7th star
The 7th star (if applicable) is to be mounted one (1) inch above star No. 6 in alignment with stars No. 1 and No. 6 (verbatim from the exhibit).
When you can buy ahead
Per the exhibit:
Employees purchasing a Dress Coat or Shirt during the six months prior to completion of the required five-year period may add the additional star for such period.
Translation: if your 5-year mark is coming up within 6 months and you're ordering a new Dress Coat or shirt anyway, you can add the next star now. You don't have to wait until the exact anniversary, then re-order.
Service stars by Class — required vs optional
| Class | Service Stars |
|---|---|
| Class A | Required (left sleeve of coat) |
| Class B | Optional (left sleeve of long sleeve shirt) |
| Class C | — (not listed in the matrix) |
| Class D | — (not listed) |
| Class E | Optional |
Sourcing
All Risk Uniforms stocks the ¾″ five-point gold service stars and applies them to the Class A coat sleeve and the long sleeve uniform shirt at the dimensions specified in this exhibit.
Source
Service Star Configuration exhibit, revised December 2021. Sizing and color: Uniform Insignia Display exhibit (revised July 2023).
