Mark Hillier: A tribute to the firefighter by his wife Holly

Mark Hillier, 40, was killed in a crash in Pewsey on Thursday, October 13 when his Suzuki Grand Vitara was in crash with a BMW travelling in the opposite direction.

It has also been revealed that three of the families dogs also died in the crash. 

Mark Hillier, wife Holly and daughter (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Mark started his career in 1995 and worked with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service as well as the Surrey service over the years.

Before his death he worked as a watch manager at Salisbury fire station.

Read more: Wiltshire firefighter named as driver killed in A345 crash

His wife Holly 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.”

Mark Hillier and children (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Holly said that Mark had worked tirelessly with the family to build their forever home.

"We are so grateful to him for that. He was not only a great firefighter but a skilled carpenter and craftsman becoming a jack of all trades", she said. 

"He tried them all and took great pride in his successes and achievements and when it didn’t go to plan would state, ‘Well, I’m a carpenter, not a plasterer.’ By the last room, he was an excellent plasterer. We loved that he tried."

In her tribute, Holly mentioned how her husband always had time for their four beautiful spaniels and the dogs were incredible and so clever, and his determination and dedication were transferred to dog training. They had the best life. Their excitement came as soon as Mark picked up his coat, they just knew.  

Holly said: "Mark was responding to the call whilst out with three of our spaniels. That night, two of our dogs, Teddy and Coco also died with Mark. Joey died a few hours later at the vets. The intense pain and devastation of losing Mark and our dogs is unimaginable and indescribably.

“We are broken and will never be whole again. The house is quiet, and a huge part of our family has been ripped from us.”

Holly said she will be forever proud of her husband.

"Your bravery, selflessness and countless lives saved will be remembered always. You will be forever celebrated and cherished. Mark, Dad, we love you wholeheartedly with everything we have. We miss you immensely. Until we meet again. Love you forever and always xxxxx.”

To keep Mark Hillier’s memory alive – both for Holly and for the children Jaimee, Hayden and Isla, Holly has set up an email account, remembering_mark@outlook.com

If anyone has any photos of Mark or any stories about him, please share them with the family as they would love to receive them.

Holly said: "It has been an overwhelming sense of comfort reading messages and well wishes. Mark made such an impression and knew so many people."

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “The thoughts of all at Wiltshire Police are with Mark’s family and all those who worked with him at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at this extremely difficult time.”