Tribute planned for hero firefighter
Martyn Sadler tragically lost his life following a fire at Bicester Motion
On Thursday 31 July, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will pay tribute to a beloved colleague and friend, Firefighter Martyn Sadler, with a funeral procession through Bicester.
Martyn Sadler, aged 38, served with both Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service and the London Fire Brigade.
He tragically lost his life following a fire at Bicester Motion on Buckingham Road, Bicester, on Thursday 15 May.
The procession will begin at 10:45am, travelling from Banbury Road to Bicester Fire Station along Queen’s Avenue. Upon arrival at the fire station, a minute’s silence will be observed in Martyn’s honour. Firefighters and emergency service colleagues will line the route in a show of deep respect and remembrance.
Members of the public are warmly invited to join the tribute. If you wish to attend along Queen’s Avenue, please stand on the opposite side of the road from the fire station.
To facilitate the funeral, local road closures will be in place from 9:45am.
Following his passing, Martyn’s family shared this heartfelt tribute:
“Martyn was born to be a firefighter. Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life. The passion and dedication he had for the job was outstanding.
"From as early as he learnt to walk and talk his days were filled with episodes of Fireman Sam or London’s Burning and as soon as he was old enough to join the fire cadets his career began. He achieved way beyond his dreams and nothing would ever put a bigger smile on his face.
"He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and all-round family member, an amazing friend, a committed colleague and the true definition of a hero.
"Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery.”