Local Fire Fighting Hero Honoured
59 years after he lost his life fighting a bush fire at Methul, local man Ivan Moses was honoured at a special ceremony in Coolamon on Friday 23 February 2024 at Moses Park, Coolamon (named in honour of Ivan’s father, the late Councillor A.R. (Bob) Moses) in Cowabbie Street.
Members of Moses family, including his children and grandchildren, travelled to Coolamon to attend this ceremony along with extended family, friends and community members.
The Mayor of Coolamon Shire, Councillor David McCann said, “This recognition is long overdue and it is an honour for Coolamon Shire Council to join with the District’s RFS Brigades and wider community to honour a true local hero”.
On 21st December 1964 a fire started on a lane way next to the rural property ‘Glen Elgin’, Methul. The fire burnt 750 acres (303ha). While attempting to contain the fire, a break was lit in front of fire one mile long while others fallowed a paddock to save a house belonging to the Harris family, Mr. Frank Furner’s house and the Presbyterian church which were under threat.
A bushfire truck manned by Pat and Alex O’Brien, Ray Harris and Ian Gillett with Bill Gilmore and Ivan Moses walking alongside the truck spraying the fire when a fierce whirlwind enveloped the truck. The truck crashed into a fence and Pat O’Brien and Bill Gilmore escaped the fire through the broken fence. They then returned when they heard Ivan Moses calling from help. Pat O’Brien received burns to one arm and the back of the neck. Ian Gilmore received severe burns to both arms. Ray Harris sustained minor burns.
Ivan Moses received server burns and was treated initially at the Coolamon hospital before being transferred to the Wagga Hospital where he received skin grafts finally succumbing to his injuries on the 19 January 1965. Ivan Moses, then aged 26 was married and his wife was pregnant with the couple’s third child.
“The memory of the incident is still very vivid in the minds of many older residents of Coolamon and the events of that day have been passed down through generations. It is important that we remember the bravery of all those involved that day ” Clr. McCann said.
“It is appropriate that we are unveiling the plaque in Moses Park, which was named after Ivan’s father, the late Mr. A.R. Moses who was a Shire Councillor and proactive townsman” Clr McCann said. Plaques honouring father and son will sit side-by-side opposite their old family home in Cowabbie Street.
Family and friends then enjoyed morning tea at the Coolamon Up-to-Date Store where they took the opportunity to share many stories.
Carmel Casey (Ivan’s Daughter), Mayor David McCann OAM, Judy Atallah (Ivan’s Sister), Ivan Moses (Ivan’s Grandson), Tom Moses (Ivan’s Grandson), Prof Monica Lahra (Ivan’s Daughter) and Magnus Lahra (Ivan’s Grandson)
