The Firemen's Memorial

At the pointed intersection of Queen Street and Eagle Street is a small park which holds the Firemen's Memorial. It is also known as the Mooney Memorial Fountain. It is significant for its association with James Mooney, a volunteer fireman who had lost his life while fighting a fire in Queen Street in March 1877. In true Australian fashion in that alcohol was involved, it happened to be when a keg of rum exploded. His was the first recorded death of a fireman in Queensland. it is an excellent example of a Victorian era monument and the careful and ornate design shows great skill and craftsmanship.

The memorial has a gothic architecture, and was erected originally in 1880. It was designed by the City Engineer, W H Chambers and sculpted by William Webster. Also at the site is a magnificent weeping fig tree which hangs over the memorial. Originally, there were three lions heads which provided a continuous water trickle, but in the restoration of the fountain in 1988 these were replaced by a more hygienic bubbler tap system. At that time it was also dedicated not just to James Thomas Mooney, but to all fire fighters who have served their community so nobly.

There are a number of plaques at the site, but I am particularly taken with this one, The Firemen's Prayer. I think it most apt if I let the marker speak for itself.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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