Memorial bench plan for firefighter who died in crash

Watch manager Mark Hillier joined Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in October 1995

Firefighters are hoping to install a memorial bench to their colleague who was killed responding to a 999 call.

Mark Hillier was at a friend's house near Pewsey Fire Station in Wiltshire in October 2023 when he received an emergency alert.

On his way to the fire station, the on-call commander lost control of his Suzuki Grand Vitara and collided with a BMW. He suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead less than an hour after the collision.

Mr Hillier's colleagues have now submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council to install a memorial bench in his memory with the engraved words: "In loving memory of Mark Hillier" along with his nickname "Sparksy".

The bench would be installed close to Pewsey fire station on North Street, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It would also include the words, "First in, last out. Forever our hero" in memory of Mr Hillier, who had been a firefighter for 28 years and joined Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in October 1995.

A decision on the planning application is expected before Tuesday November 18.

Two of Mr Hillier's dogs, Teddy, Joey and Coco, had been in the car and were also killed in the collision.

The bench would include 'Sparksy' in memory of the much-loved firefighter

Speaking in 2023, his widow Hollie had said: "Mark lived and breathed for the fire service; it was a calling he embraced with his whole heart.

"The love he had for his fire service family was unquestionable. We were so proud of him."

In November 2023 firefighters and hundreds of mourners lined North Street as pipers and two fire engines led a funeral procession from the fire station to St John the Baptist church.

Last month friends and family walked between Salisbury and Pewsey fire stations to remember Mr Hillier and to raise £1,000 for the Firefighters Charity.