Tribute to 'true definition of a hero' firefighter killed at Bicester Motion fire
Martyn's family say he was born to be a firefighter
Last updated 21st May 2025
A firefighter who was died while battling the devastating fire at Bicester Motion last week has been described as the 'true definition of a hero' by his family.
The major incident tragically claimed the lives of three people on the 15th of May. They were firefighters 30 year old Jennie Logan and 38 year old Martyn Sadler, and a local man 57 year old Dave Chester.
Martyn’s family have released the following 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.”
Family and friends have also being paying tribute to Jennie and Dave
The fire broke out on the evening of Thursday, 15 May, at Bicester Motion, a former RAF base now used by classic car businesses. Emergency services were called at 18:39. At the height of the response, 10 fire engines were at the scene.
Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall, gave a statement outside the site on Friday.
He said: “I’m immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by the emergency services personnel.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.