Serving Salisbury firefighter dies in Pewsey car crash
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire have paid tribute to Mark Hillier
It's been confirmed a man who died in a car crash at Pewsey last night (Thursday 12th October) was a serving firefighter.
Mark Hillier's Suzuki Grand Vitara collided with a BMW on the A345 Salisbury at around 6.50pm.
Mark, who was in his 40s, died at the scene.
The BMW driver wasn't hurt.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have released a tribute to Mark - in a statement, Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said:
"Everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is deeply shocked at the tragic loss of a highly regarded firefighter.
"Watch Manager Mark Hillier passed away last night following a road traffic collision in Pewsey.
"I know that I speak on behalf of the entire Service when I say that we are devastated by this news. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
"Mark joined Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service in October 1995 as an on-call firefighter at Pewsey fire station, where he became Watch Manager. Together with his on-call role, Mark also worked as a wholetime firefighter with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for nine years, before transferring back to Dorset & Wiltshire, where he worked as a Watch Manager at Salisbury fire station.
"Mark was recognised in 2021 with a Making a Difference award for his outstanding work and commitment to organising the ‘laptops for kids’ initiative."
As a mark of respect, and in remembrance of his service, flags at all DWFRS stations will fly at half mast until Tuesday evening.
Wiltshire Police are still investigating the collision, with a road closure remaining in place while that continues.
Any witnesses to the collision, or anyone with dashcam footage, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597, quoting log number 267 of October 12th.