Remembering District Fire Chief Mark Hilley

The community is mourning the loss of Gulfport Fire District Chief Mark Hilley who died from COVID-19.

“He didn’t just go to work every day. He came to work. He made a difference.”

“He was an excellent leader, fun to work with, fun to work for.”

“Being a paramedic, running as many calls as he did over the years, he’s made an impact in so many people’s lives. He will surely be missed.”

Fifty-three-year-old Mark Hilley lost his battle with COVID-19 on Wednesday night. He dedicated over 20 years of his life as a first responder, serving as district chief with the Gulfport Fire Department and as battalion chief for Harrison County Fire. Deputy Chief Glenn Parker said, “He was the epitome of a public servant. Everything he did, two departments, military, was for his community.”

For many of the firefighters that had the opportunity to work alongside Mark, they say his personality was like no other. Deputy Chief Thomas McCorkle said, “A lot of fun. The guy was just a happy, jovial guy which I have a lot of respect for because he could tell a good story.”

Deputy Chief Billy Kelley said, “Funny guy. He had a nickname for everyone in this department. You may not have known it, but you had a nickname.”

His impact alone within the first responder community on the Coast was huge. “He ran the City of Gulfport dive team and he instructed many of the divers on the Coast and many of the public safety divers.”

Chris Holland with Harrison County Fire said, “Mark has not been just a friend, but obviously my chief, and has mentored me through the majority of my career.”

Unfortunately, Mark’s career was cut short from COVID-19. “He’s been in a valiant fight with it the last couple weeks, good days, bad, but we always thought he would pull through. Such a strong, vibrant man.”

When the Gulfport Fire Department received the call that Mark didn’t make it, they knew they had to do something special. “We put together a procession and escorted Mark’s body from the hospital to the funeral home.”

In just a half hours’ notice, over 70 first responders gathered at Memorial Hospital to escort Mark’s body. “It’s just a beautiful thing last night. I’m just so happy that we’re able to do that little bit for the family, to do something.”

Remembering Mark Hilley, a husband, a father, a son, and a firefighter.