A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to Jennie Logan, a heroic firefighter who died in the Bicester fire.
Jennie, 30, tragically lost her life while battling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Buckingham Road, Bicester, on Thursday, May 15.
Heroic Jennie Logan, 30, died while tackling the inferno
PAJennie’s family said their “lives will never be the same”[/caption]
SWNSThe blaze broke out on Thursday, May 15[/caption]
Fellow Oxfordshire firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, also died in the tragedy alongside businessman Dave Chester, 57.
Jennie’s Mum, Dad, and sister Emilie, have now released a heartbreaking tribute.
In a statement, the devastated family said: “Jennie was a much loved daughter to us, her sister, Emilie, and ‘Mum’ to her beloved dog, Mouse.
“We still can’t believe we’ll never see her again, driving around Bicester collecting her dogs, which were like a second family.
“Also, at such a young age, setting up her own dog business and making it such a success, was truly inspirational to us all.
“She found her calling three years ago when she joined the fire service where she could use her incredible strength and determination.
“Jennie was a force to be reckoned with but to everyone who knew her, she was such a loving, caring, thoughtful person, who would do anything and everything to help.
“She lived life at 100mph, juggling her business with her love for rugby, where she made some truly amazing friends.
“When Jennie’s pager went off, there was no stopping her. Never did we think that when running out the door last Thursday, to give it her all, like she always did, it would be for the final time.
“Her bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end.
“Our lives will never be the same, we’ll miss her beautiful smile and zest for life.
“She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her.
“Forever in our hearts.”
This comes after the family of Dave Chester revealed he was trying to help the fire crews.
PABicester RUFC also paid tribute to Jennie[/caption]
Oxfordshire firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, also tragically died in the fire
PADave Chester, 57, tragically passed away during the huge blaze[/caption]
His family described the businessman as a “hero” in a heartfelt tribute.
The 57-year-old had selflessly stepped in to help the firefighters, ultimately costing him his life.
“Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help,” the family said.
They added: “This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening; he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation.
“He was not a victim but a hero; he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.”
Meanwhile, police yesterday issued a major update on two firefighters who have remained in hospital following fire.
Emergency services have since revealed that despite sustaining serious injuries, both are in “stable” condition.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “The injured firefighters remain in a stable condition in hospital.”
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed this.
Flowers and handwritten tributes have been left outside Bicester Fire Station in memory of the three people who tragically lost their lives.
Martyn’s cousin penned a heartfelt message to his “role model and hero”.
Writing on Facebook, he said: “Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming number of messages following the devastating loss of my cousin, colleague, role model and hero Martyn Sadler at the fire in Bicester last night.”
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion also gave an emotional tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy.
He said: “The last 24 hours have been tragic in so many ways.
For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.
“I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost.
“To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.
“They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances.
“No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts.”
In a statement from Thames Valley Police, the force explained it had commenced an unexplained death investigation into the tragedy.
It added that the investigation was currently not criminal, but that evidence could change this.
Last week, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall commended his colleagues for their ” unwavering bravery” as he gave an emotional statement.
Fighting back tears, he said: “A member of the public also sadly died in the incident.
“Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
“Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion, having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control.”
Jennie and Martyn were also both members of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club (BRUFC), with the former part of Bicester Vixens women’s team.
“We are a tight-knit club,” BRUFC’s chairman Paul Jaggers said.
“Obviously losing two of your members in any situation is really tough and it’s had a profound impact.”
A fundraiser launched by the club has now raised more than £11,000 for the Fire Fighters charity.
The Bishop of Dorchester, the Right Reverend Gavin Collins, led a moving tribute today.
He said: “As we come together today, we hold in our hearts those who lost their lives in last Thursday’s fire.
“We give thanks for all those who serve in our emergency services for their courage, commitment and compassion.”
RAF Bicester was predominantly used as a training site, but became redundant in 2004.
The 350-acre former airfield in Oxfordshire became an active station over a century ago in 1917.
Nineteen of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed, and some structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Bicester Heritage, more commonly known as Bicester Motion, is home to more than 50 specialist businesses which centre around classic car restoration and engineering.
Historic England describes the iconic site as “the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase” in the country.
SWNSThe blaze erupted at 6.39pm on May 15[/caption]
SWNSThe force has launched an unexplained death investigation into the blaze[/caption]
Dan CharityAt least 10 fire and rescue teams tackled the inferno[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
