Family of firefighter killed in Pewsey crash pay tribute
47-year-old Mark Hillier died on Thursday evening (12 October)
Last updated 17th Oct 2023
The family of a serving firefighter, who died in a car crash on the A345 at Pewsey have paid an emotional tribute to him.
Mark Hillier, who was 47, passed away at the scene of the collision on Thursday evening (12th October).
They've said they'll be 'forever proud' of his 'determination and dedication'.
It's also been revealed that Mark was on his way to a callout when the collision happened, and that three of the family's dogs died as a result of the crash.
In a statement, Mark's wife Holly said:
“Mark lived and breathed for the fire service, it was a calling he embraced with his whole heart. Mark died responding to a fire call, one of probably only a handful he didn’t turn out for. His bravery, sense of duty and unwavering dedication to serve his community in Pewsey and the communities in Salisbury and Surrey, alongside his brothers and sisters, he held so dear. The love he had for his fire service family was unquestionable. We were so proud of him.
“For the last six years, when not on duty, Mark has worked tirelessly to build us our forever home. We are so grateful to him for that. He was not only a great firefighter, but a skilled carpenter and craftsman, becoming a Jack of all trades. He tried them all and took great pride in his successes and achievements, and when it didn’t go quite to plan would state, “Well I’m a carpenter, not a plasterer”. However, by the last room, he was an excellent plasterer. We loved that he tried.
“Mark also made sure to make time for our four beautiful spaniels. His determination and dedication transferred to dog training, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Our dogs were incredible and so clever. They had the best life and were at their happiest snuggled up with us or when they were out running in the field or working with Mark. Their excitement came as soon as Mark picked up his coat, they just knew. Sometimes all he needed to do was walk towards the door and they would sense it was time. Surrounding his feet, excitedly, eagerly awaiting his cue, “Come on then”, and off they’d race to the back of the car, waiting to jump in. He did such an incredible job with them."
Tributes have been paid to Mark by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Flags have been flying at half mast at all stations, with floral tributes left at Pewsey in his memory.
Continuing her statement, Mark's wife Holly said:
“Mark was responding to the call whilst out with three of our spaniels. That night, two of our dogs, Teddy and Coco also died with Mark, and Joey died a few hours later at the vets. The intense pain and devastation of losing Mark and our dogs is unimaginable and indescribable, we are broken and will never be whole again. The house is quiet. A huge part of our family has been ripped from us.
“We will be forever proud of you, as we knew you were of us. Your bravery, selflessness and countless lives saved will be remembered always. You will be forever celebrated and cherished. Mark, Dad, we love you wholeheartedly with everything we have. We miss you immensely. Until we meet again. Love you forever and always."
Holly's also set up an email address for people to share their memories of Mark for her and their children - Jaimee, Hayden and Isla - to see.
Anyone who wishes to share photos or stories can send them to remembering_mark@outlook.com.
Holly says it's been an 'overwhelming sense of comfort reading messages and well wishes'.
Wiltshire Police say their thoughts are with Mark’s family and all those who worked with him at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at this extremely difficult time.
ACFO Andy Cole followed Holly’s tribute by saying:
“Mark was tragically killed in a road traffic collision while responding to a fire call at Pewsey fire station on Thursday evening. His loss will be felt profoundly by his family, his many friends and colleagues across both Dorset & Wiltshire FRS and Surrey FRS and the wider community where he was a well respected and much loved character.
“Firefighters at Pewsey will be opening a book of condolence from today (Tuesday 17th October) until Friday 20th October at Pewsey Fire Station. There will be a member of staff on site from 10am - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm every day this week for those who wish to drop in.”