Tributes paid to firefighter who died suddenly

Monday, 27 March 2023 01:00

Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ansell, has led tributes to a local firefighter who has died suddenly.

Nick Wilby, who joined Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue in 2020, passed away at his home in Wilton on Friday.

In a statement, Ben Ansell said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, the sudden passing of one of our colleagues.

"Firefighter Nick Wilby passed away overnight on Friday (24 March) at his home in Wilton. I speak on behalf of the entire Service when I say that we are all shocked and saddened by this news, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.

Nick Wilby (Image: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service)

"Nick joined Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in March 2020 and was a dedicated and highly valued member of our Service.  He had recently completed his LGV driving course and was on his way to becoming an emergency response driver for his station in Wilton. He was 49 years old.

"We are supporting colleagues through this difficult time and in remembrance, and as a mark of respect, our Union flags will be flown at half-mast from today (Sunday 26 March) until Thursday (30 March), when they will return to full mast.

"I would like to request that the privacy of Nick’s family and colleagues is respected during this difficult time.”

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