Date: 13th October, 2023
CFO Ben Ansell has released the following statement this morning (13 October):
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.
In remembrance and as a mark of respect, our flags are flying at half-mast, across Dorset and Wiltshire.
