The 11th annual Coolamon Fire Engine Muster was once again a huge success with crowd numbers put at between 2500 to 3000 throughout the course of the day. It wasn’t just fire trucks on show, vintage ambulances, old police cars and many hot rods and classic cars were on display for the crowds to enjoy. Pony rides for the kids were a big hit as were many of the activities available throughout the day. The brainchild of Coolamon resident and former firefighter, Chris Berry, the first event was held in 2015 to coincided with the opening of the Coolamon Fire Museum that he and wife Joanne launched. Operating out of the old Coolamon Fire Station the museum has attracted more than 50,000 visitors since it opened its doors. Mr Berry said that people come and go all day and it was very gratifying after all the work that goes into organising the event. “There meant to be three more fire trucks but due to the age there were breakdowns on route to the festival,” Mr Berry said. “The price of fuel has also discourage more enthusiasts with vintage fire trucks from coming.” Inspector Dale Gillespie, from the Region West 3 Zone Office for Fire Rescue NSW (FRNSW) based in Leeton said that it was a fantastic day where all the emergency services come together to celebrate what has come before. “It's great to be able to celebrate it, look at some of the old technology and observe how it's changed over the years and how we've advanced and come along,” Insp Gillespie said. “It's a great day for the community of Coolamon, and obviously this is our 11th year, so it's been quite a successful event and seems to be growing each year, which is great. “I started out on one of the old Internationals like one the Temora FRNSW bought along.” Former firefighter Guy Ellis bought along a1977 Holden Kingwood officers’ vehicle. “They had about six of them in the city and about another six in the country,” Mr Ellis said. “These were in use when I joined the Brigade in 1979. “The country ones had V8s in them and the city ones had six cylinder engines. “This one is a replica and it’s a V8, none of the original vehicles survived.” Mr Ellis has been coming for 10 years and tries to bring a different truck or car from his extensive collection each year.
