Heartbroken wife pays tribute to firefighter husband who died in car crash with his three pet spaniels while responding to an emergency call

The grieving wife of a firefighter who died in a collision alongside his three dogs has paid tribute to him.

Mark Hillier, 47, was killed in the crash on the A345 in Pewsey, Wiltshire, on October 12.

The father-of-three was responding to an emergency call and had his three pet spaniels in tow when his Suzuki Grand Vitara was involved in a collision with a BMW.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue later confirmed the death of their colleague and said crews members who attended the scene were left ‘devastated'.

Mr Hillier's wife Holly said: ‘Mark lived and breathed for the fire service, it was a calling he embraced with his whole heart. 

Mr Hillier pictured with his wife Holly and their three children Jaimee, Hayden and Isla

‘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.

‘For the last six years, when not on duty, Mark has worked tirelessly to build us our 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.'

Mr Hillier joined Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in October 1995, based at Pewsey fire station as an on-call firefighter, later becoming watch manager, reports Wiltshire Live. In addition to his on-call role, 

Mr Hillier worked as a wholetime firefighter with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for nine years, before transferring back to Dorset and Wiltshire, where he worked as a watch manager at Salisbury fire station.

In 2021, his outstanding work and commitment to organising the ‘laptops for kids' initiative was recognised with a Making a Difference award.

His wife added: ‘Mark also made sure to make time for our four beautiful spaniels.

‘Mark was responding to the call while out with three of our spaniels. That night, two of our dogs, Teddy and Coco also died with Mark, and Joey died a few hours later at the vets.

‘The intense pain and devastation of losing Mark and our dogs is unimaginable and indescribable, we are broken and will never be whole again. The house is quiet. A huge part of our family has been ripped from us.

‘We will be forever proud of you, as we knew you were of us. 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.'

Friends and acquaintances of Mr Hillier are encouraged to send their photos and memories of him to an email account set up by his family, remembering_mark@outlook.com.

As a mark of respect, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is flying its Union flags at half-mast until 8am tomorrow.