
Family pay touching tribute to ‘strong & determined' hero firefighter Jennie Logan, 30, killed in horror Bicester blaze
Jennie, 30, tragically lost her life while battling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Buckingham Road, Bicester, on Thursday, May 15.
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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.
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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.
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The UK would refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months. Although this is an 'important step', recognition 'should not be used as a bargaining tool' but as a 'moral and political obligation', Ms Qeshta said of the announcement. 'We have seen many promises before,' 'What matters most now is action.' She added: 'I hope this move is real and followed by real change on the ground, because words alone cannot save lives. ' The student urged the international community not to 'turn away' from the suffering in Gaza and to push for an 'immediate end' to the conflict. 'We are not numbers,' she said. 'We are people, and we want to live.' Campaigners are reportedly calling on the Government to grant students with scholarships a biometrics deferral and assist them in finding a safe route to a third country where they can complete their visa application before travelling to the UK. Of this group, a Government spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the students and are considering the request for support.' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, who is campaigning on this issue, said: 'Gaza's education system, like so much else, has been all but obliterated. 'Schools have become overcrowded shelters, every university has been reduced to rubble, and educators have been deliberately targeted and killed.' The Sheffield Central MP added: 'Ireland, France and Belgium have acted to ensure their students can reach safety, the UK has not. 'This is not hypothetical, some of these students have already been killed while waiting and others remain in constant danger. 'I'm pressing ministers to address this as soon as possible, as every minute increases the likelihood that more young lives will be lost.' The University of Bristol said they were unable to discuss individual cases and the University of Manchester has been contacted for comment.