Bicester Motion anniversary: A message from Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall, has given his thoughts on the anniversary of the tragic events at Bicester Motion on 15 May 2025 in a video released today.

He has summed up the feeling of a continued sense of loss following the deaths of Firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, and a well-known member of the public, Dave Chester. He thanks everyone for the outpourings of kindness and support shown over the last 12 months.

Please watch the chief fire officer’s video. The words he delivers are re-produced below.

Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall

As we approach one year since the heartbreaking event on 15th May 2025 at Bicester Motion, I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester.

That evening, we lost two of our friends and colleagues, Firefighters Jennie and Martyn - alongside Dave, a well‑known and valued member of the Bicester community. Their loss is something that stays with all of us.

We know how deeply cared for, loved and respected Jennie, Martyn and Dave were to everyone who knew them. 

I want to thank you, our communities, for the outpouring of kindness and support that has been shown in their honour.

The compassion shown by so many people over the last year is something we will never forget. Thank you.

In planning how the first anniversary is honoured, we’ve been speaking with the families and our firefighters at Bicester.

We ask on behalf of them and us that you respect the private arrangements in place to pay tribute to Jennie, Martyn and Dave are respected.

We know that so many people across the nation will want to show their support. I encourage you to take a moment on the 15th to quietly reflect on the tragedy that unfolded a year ago and caused the devastating loss of Jennie, Martyn and Dave. It will forever be a reminder of what we ask of our firefighters and our emergency service colleagues.

I am still so grateful to all of the emergency services who attended Bicester Motion twelve months ago; the professionalism shown by every single blue light responder was exemplary and is something we will not forget. Thank you.

Firefighters at stations across the country have been invited, through their services, to quietly mark the first-year anniversary with a minute silence, within their own fire stations, at the time of call which was 18:39 this Friday.

Alongside the loved ones for Jennie, Martyn and Dave we will also be holding a private remembrance service.

From all of us at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, thank you for your continued care, respect and understanding. 

We know that the families and our colleagues at Bicester Fire Station feel your support and kindness and this has been a great comfort as we continue to come to terms with our loss. 

 

Thank you.