Funeral service held for South Wiltshire firefighter Mark Hillier

He passed away in a car crash on his way to Pewsey fire station

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 10th Nov 2023

Hundreds of people have been paying their respects to Wiltshire firefighter, Mark Hillier, at his funeral today (Friday 10th November).

The 45 year old died last month in a car crash on the A345. |newtab)

He was on his way to Pewsey fire station for a callout, when the collision happened.

The funeral's been held at St John the Baptist Church in Pewsey this afternoon, with firefighters past and present in attendance.

A cortege of fire vehicles has been led from the fire station there through the village before the service.

That's been followed by a journey to Salisbury, visiting the station on Ashley Road.

A 'guard of honour' has been held by crew members as the cortege arrived and left there, for another service at the city's Crematorium at Bishopdown.

Following his death, Mark's family paid tribute to him, saying he 'lived and breathed for the fire service' and that they'll be 'forever proud of him'.

A JustGiving page set up to support Mark's wife and children has raised nearly £15,000 to date.

In a statement following the incident, Dorset and Wiltshire's 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.

"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."

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