Memorial bench for Wiltshire firefighter

A special memorial bench in tribute to Watch Manager Mark Hillier has been unveiled at Pewsey Fire Station.

Mark died in a road accident on 12 October 2023 while responding to his alerter.

His funeral the following month saw hundreds of people line the streets of Pewsey while the cortege went through.

As well as being an on-call firefighter in his home village for 28 years, Mark was also a wholetime firefighter based at Salisbury fire station, and was in a temporary promotion as a Station Manager at the time of his death.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “Mark’s untimely death had a profound impact on family and the village of Pewsey, as well as on his station, his watch and the wider Service.

"This beautiful bench is a fitting tribute to a man who was immensely proud of being a firefighter and the community around him.

"My grateful thanks go to everyone who contributed in any way to this memorial.”

The new bench, which includes his nickname ‘Sparksy’ and paw prints for the three beloved family dogs who also died with him, was designed by Mark’s wife, Holly, and was donated by Pewsey Parish Council.

A family friend carried out the block paving and brickwork to accommodate the bench, a local business donated the plaque, and the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Estates department applied for the necessary permissions.

The unveiling was performed by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO, alongside Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole QFSM and Cllr Paul Oatway QPM, Vice-Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, who is also the ward councillor for Pewsey Vale West.

As well as the Pewsey crew, family members, friends, colleagues and parish councillors were also in attendance.?