Barry Martin funeral: Firefighter who died tackling blaze at historic Jenners building to be laid to rest
A brave firefighter who was always there for people during their “time of greatest need” will be laid to rest on Friday.
Barry Martin, 38, was critically injured while battling a blaze at the historic Jenners building in Edinburgh on 23 January. He died in hospital four days later.
Mr Martin, the much-loved father of eight-year-old twins Oliver and Daniel, was described as a “loving and attentive” dad.
Mr Martin will be laid to rest on Friday. Pic: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
‘Our love for him will last forever’
His doting wife Shelley, 36, said: “He was a busy dad, transporting our sons to their various activities, and being there for them. I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together, and always will.
“Barry was motivated, proud, and driven to be the best he could be, for himself, for his family, for his colleagues, and for the community and wider public.
“Being there for people, during their time of greatest need, meant everything to him in his career.
“Our love, admiration, and respect for him will last forever.”
A number of tributes have been placed outside the Jenners building, and earlier this week firefighters across the UK held a minute’s silence in his memory.
Earlier this week firefighters across the UK held a minute’s silence in Mr Martin’s memory
Later on Friday, colleagues from across Scotland will join Mr Martin’s family and friends in paying tribute at his funeral service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The funeral cortege will make its way from the foot of The Royal Mile, arriving at the cathedral at 12.30pm when the service, by invitation, will begin.
It will be followed by a private committal.
The cause of the blaze is yet to be made public
Pic: Councillor Norman Work
Prior to joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Mr Martin was a pest control technician and set up his own company with his wife.
He was said to be passionate about health and fitness and had a particular interest in the tattoo industry.
Mr Martin was based at McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh and was part of the Blue Watch.
‘A friend to many’
Ross Haggart, interim chief officer of the SRFS, said: “Our thoughts remain very firmly with Barry Martin’s family as we plan to come together at St Giles’ Cathedral to pay our respects.
“Barry was a much-loved husband, father, son, and friend to many. His Blue Watch colleagues and the wider service will ensure that Barry’s selfless duty will never be forgotten.”
Mr Martin, from Fife, is the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who died after being injured in Edinburgh in 2009.
MSPs have called for Mr Martin to be posthumously awarded the George Cross, an accolade which dates back to 1940 and recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out by civilians.
Two women have died following reports of a stabbing in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day, police have said.
A dog injured in the incident in Bletchley also died after being taken to the vets.
A man and a teenage boy suffered serious injuries.
A 49-year-old man from Milton Keynes has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
Forensic officers at the scene. Pics: PA
Officers were called to a block of apartments in Santa Cruz Avenue just after 6.30pm on Christmas Day following reports of a stabbing.
The two women, aged 38 and 24, died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said. Their next of kin have been informed.
The injured man and teenage boy were taken to hospital and are both in a stable condition.
Police said the parties are known to each other.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: “Firstly I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the women who have tragically died in this shocking incident.
“We have launched a double murder investigation, which may be concerning to the wider public; however, we have made an arrest and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and the parties are known to each other.”
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports9 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway