Funeral arrangements for firefighter Martyn Sadler - 31st July 2025

Dear colleagues,

I’m writing to share an update on the funeral for firefighter Martyn Sadler following the tragic incident at Bicester Motion in May.

As you’re aware, Martyn’s funeral will take place on Thursday 31 July in Bicester.

Councillors Hannaby, Leffman and Lygo, alongside Stephen Chandler, Lorna Baxter and I, will represent the county council at a public procession for Martyn. We will join other organisational representatives and dignitaries to witness this from the forecourt at Bicester Fire Station.

Martyn’s procession will start at 10.45am and will make its way down Queen’s Avenue towards the station where there will be a pause and a minute silence. In line with his family’s wishes, Martyn will be carried on London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) Turntable Ladder with the route lined from Queen’s Avenue by firefighters in fire kit and our emergency service partners in uniform.

As many of you know, Martyn dedicated his career not only to Oxfordshire, but also to Royal Berkshire and London Fire Brigade. All three brigades will be part of lining the procession route. Rob MacDougall, together with the LFB fire commissioner and chief fire officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, will lead the observation of the minute silence.

Martyn’s procession will then continue towards St Edburg’s Church where a private service will take place for invited family, friends and colleagues. Our fire service will join standard bearers from national brigades, and other fire associated organisations, in lining a route for Martyn to enter the church, lowering their flags as Martyn passes through.

In support, we will also lower our flags at fire stations and at County Hall to half-mast on Thursday morning and will then raise them again that evening.  

Members of the public, councillors and colleagues are welcome to witness the procession and line the route should they wish to pay their respects. For those who choose to witness the minute silence at the fire station, they will be directed to do so on the opposite side of the road to the forecourt. Signposting to the online condolence book continues and is open and available to all.

Surrounding roads will be closed from 9.45am (local residents and businesses are being informed) and people are being advised to use public transport and to plan ahead with this in mind.

May I take this opportunity to thank all colleagues involved in supporting our fire service to deliver a memorable and dignified tribute to Martyn in line with his family’s wishes.

Best wishes,

Martin

Martin Reeves

Chief Executive