Firefighters pay tribute to colleague killed in A345 crash

Mark Hillier was out with three of his spaniels on Thursday, October 12, when a fire call came in.

On his way there he died in a fatal crash alongside his precious pets, when his Suzuki Grand Vitara was involved in a crash with a BMW on the A345. 

Two weeks later, dozens of his colleagues gathered at Pewsey Fire Station where he was the serving watch manager to pay their respects and share fond memories of him. 

Mark Hillier (Image: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.)After this, the station shared a picture from the emotional moment on its Facebook page.

Alongside it, a spokesperson said: "Pewsey Firefighters and other fire service colleagues past and present came together last Monday night, to share stories and memories of Mark.

"He has been involved with the station for over 40 years from a small boy while his father Michael served at the station, up to the present day where Mark's dreams had come true in him becoming the Watch Manager and in charge of the station. Serving the community for 28 years."

Mark leaves behind his wife Holly and his three children, Jaimee, Hayden, and Isla who are not only dealing with his loss, but the loss of the three dogs as well. 

To help the family, Mark's colleagues at Pewsey Fire Station has set up a JustGiving page, which can be found here - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MarkHillier478

Mark Hillier with his family (Image: Family handout)

The fundraiser only asked for £1,000 but hundreds of people have donated and as of the time of writing, almost £12,400 has been generously given. 

His wife Holly released a 'heartfelt' tribute to her 'brave' husband shortly after his death was announced by Wiltshire Police. 

She 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"

Holly has also set up an email account - remembering_mark@outlook.com - and is asking for anyone with photos or stories of Mark to share them via the email address.