Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Firefighter’s road crash death leaves crew ‘devastated’
APOPULAR West firefighter died in a tragic crash in Wiltshire on Thursday night. Mark Hillier was involved in the two-vehicle crash on the A345 in Pewsey at around 7pm.
Wiltshire Police confirmed yesterday that a driver had been pronounced dead at the scene.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that members of the crew have been left “devastated” after hearing that Mr Hillier had died.
Paying tribute to the watch manager and sending their thoughts to his family, chief fire officer Ben Ansell said: “With great shock and sadness, that I confirm, on behalf of his family, the sudden passing of one of our colleagues.
“Watch manager Mark Hillier passed away last night following a road traffic collision near his home in Pewsey.
“I know that I speak on behalf of the entire service when I say that we are devastated by this news.”
Mr Ansell continued: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones at this tough time.
“In remembrance and as a mark of respect, our Union flags (Service standard at SHQ) are to be flown at half-mast, at all workplaces that have them, from now until 8am on Tuesday, October 17 (which is the day after Pewsey’s weekly drill night), when they will then return to full mast.”
Mr Hillier joined Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in October 1995, based at Pewsey fire station as an oncall firefighter, later becoming watch manager.
In addition to his on-call role, Mr Hillier worked as a wholetime firefighter with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for nine years, before transferring back to Dorset and Wiltshire, where he worked as a watch manager at Salisbury fire station.
In 2021, his outstanding work and commitment to organising the “laptops for kids” initiative was recognised with a Making a Difference award.
I know that I speak on behalf of the entire service when I say that we are devastated BEN ANSELL