Slovak DDU_obverse_vycvikovestredisko2 Slovakian Customs Detector Dog Unit - Medallion - Obverse
Slovak DDU_reverse_vycvikovestredisko2 Slovakian Customs Detector Dog Unit - Medallion - Reverse
1 Gold_medal_customs_Slovak_republic_Obverse Slovakian Customs - Gold Exemplary Service medal - Obverse

Historically, the Slovakian Customs administration awarded departmental honours as far back as 1880. The Customs administration of Czechoslovakia previously issued honours in gold, silver and bronze through staff regulation 42/1991 of 15 June 1991. Awards for exemplary service in the Slovak administration were introduced nine years later by order of MF SR 3/2000 of 25 January 2000.

The award is divided into two tiers, Gold and Silver medals for exemplary service. 
2 Gold_medal_customs_Slovak_republic_Reverse Slovakian Customs - Gold Exemplary Service medal - Reverse

Medals are struck with a diameter of 34mm and a thickness of 2mm. The medallion is suspended from a 32mm wide dark red ribbon, with a 50mm length. The edge of the ribbon is in white finishing. On the Face of the medal is a representation of the staff of Mercury (the versions shown were valid from 30 October 1998 to 31 December 2006. Around the staff of Mercury is a 3/4 raised rim with the inscription "For exemplary service".
3 Silver_medal_customs_Slovak_republic_Obverse Slovakian Customs - Silver exemplary service medal - Obverse

Silver medal for exemplary service has a silver colour and light blue ribbon. Customs management account for the issue of medals. Gold medals are awarded upon 30 years of service (or the year of award being conferred) and silver medals upon 20 years of service or armed service. Before 1 December 2011 (since 25 January 2000) there have been 344 silver and 84 gold medals for exemplary service. 12 silver and 32 gold medals have been awarded for exemplary representation to persons outside the Slovak Customs Service. 
4 Silver_medal_customs_Slovak_republic_Reverse Slovakian Customs - Silver exemplary service medal - Reverse

Original language article appeared in the latest Slovakian Customs magazine of 2011. Full sized images appearing on this page are courtesy of Marcel Sustiak.