Tributes paid to ‘hero’ former Slough and Maidenhead firefighter after Bicester fire

Tributes have been paid to a former Slough and Maidenhead firefighter, ‘the true definition of a hero’, after his death in a major fire in Bicester.

Martyn Sadler, 38, ‘a born firefighter’, was one of three people who died after flames took hold of Bicester Motion automotive centre in Oxfordshire on Thursday, May 15.

The ex-Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue (RBFRS) serviceman worked in Slough, Maidenhead and Langley for more than 15 years until 2022. 

He has been remembered by his family for his 'passion and dedication' and by his firefighter colleagues for his 'courage and determination'.

'Our world has fallen apart’

A statement from Mr Sadler’s family remembered him as ‘a loving husband’ and ‘an amazing friend’ who had ‘unwavering bravery’.

The statement said: “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.”

Mr Sadler worked for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service between 2006 and 2022. 

He was working for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service when emergency services were called to Bicester Motion in the evening of May 15.

Ten fire crews were called to the scene where flames had spread throughout an old aircraft hanger. Bicester Motion is an automotive centre based in a former RAF base.

Mr Sadler’s Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service colleague, Jennie Logan, 30, and Dave Chester, 57, a member of the public, also died as emergency services brought the fire under control. 

In an update on Tuesday (May 20), Thames Valley Police said two other firefighters remained in hospital and an investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Jennie Logan and Dave Chester.

‘A dedicated public servant’

A statement from RBFRS chief fire officer Wayne Bowcock and Councillor Jeff Brooks, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority chair said:

“As a service we are devastated by the immense loss suffered at the recent fire at Bicester Motion.” 

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with the families and friends of Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan and Dave Chester, and we would like to offer our deepest condolences to all those affected.” 

“To Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan, your bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten”.  

“Martyn started his wholetime firefighter training with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"He then spent more than 15 years working across a number of roles based at Slough, Langley, Learning and Development, and Maidenhead, before taking on a new wholetime role with London Fire Brigade.

"Martyn was also serving as an On-call Firefighter with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service. 

“Martyn was a highly valued colleague and a dedicated public servant, who showed courage and determination throughout his career.

"We know that his loss is being felt greatly across our service and our communities.  

“Our thoughts remain with the two firefighters currently in hospital. 

“We will continue to offer our full support to our colleagues at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service during this extremely difficult time.”

A book of condolences is available to sign at Garth House in Garth Park, Oxfordshire, where flowers are also invited to be laid.