Tributes are being paid to an Australian firefighter named Nick Wilby, who joined the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in March of 2020. Mr. Wilby tragically passed away at his home in Wilton on Friday, March 24, dying suddenly and without warning.
Before his passing, Mr. Wilby had just completed his LGV driving course and was well on his way toward becoming the station’s emergency response driver.
Ben Ansell, the fire service’s Chief Fire Officer, 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 at his home in Wilton.”
Continuing, he went on to add, “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.”
Mr. Ansell then went on to describe how the department would be paying tribute to Mr. Wilby and requested that the privacy of Mr. Wilby’s family be respected as they grieve his sudden death, saying:
“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.”
Joining Mr. Ansell was the Wilton Fire Station, which said: “We are heartbroken. This weekend we lost our friend and colleague Nick Wilby. Nick was big in both stature and character and has left a huge hole within our Crew that can’t be replaced. We are grateful for all the memories we have with Nick and will hold them dear in our hearts forever. Our thoughts go out to Nick’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we offer our sincere condolences. Farewell Nick, you will be missed.”
Dorset Live, reporting on Mr. Wilby’s sudden death, added that locals in the community paid moving tributes to him online. In that outlet’s words:
Since his death was announced, moving tributes were shared online by residents and the firefighters community. Jeremy Tidswell said: “So so sad and terrible, member of our brave firefighting community gone too soon. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
Another said: “Condolences to his family and the extended fire family” while another shared: “The world will always be a better place because of people like you. RIP.”
Featured image credit: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
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