On-call firefighter Tracey Laws.
Bishop Auckland mum Tracey Laws dreamed of another career in the uniform services after more than a decade in the Army.
And the former Lance Corporal found her second calling when she became an on-call firefighter with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).
The 44-year-old left the Army in 2013 after having her second child and went on to work as a nursery practitioner at York House with children who have special educational needs.
Tracey was inspired to join the fire service earlier this year after seeing crews in action during a training exercise near the nursery.
“I have been in the Army and wanted to get back into the uniformed services because I love helping people and I am good in emergency situations,” Tracey said.
“The role of an on-call firefighter is absolutely perfect for me and I am over the moon to be part of the Service.
“I absolutely love the job. It is so exciting and every day is different.”
On-call firefighters continue with their daily routine until the call comes and they become professional firefighters.
Tracey is based at Bishop Auckland Fire Station and is on-call for around 90 hours a week from 3pm to 6am each day after her nursery shift.
Since starting work in February 2025 Tracey has attended a number of incidents including a house fire.
“Everyone is lovely at Bishop Auckland Fire Station and they have really supported my through my training,” she said.
“It is so exciting getting called out to your first fire.
“When my pager goes off, I head straight for the fire station to see if I can get on the fire engine and go to the incident.
“My daughter saw me once on the fire engine and it was a really proud moment.”
CDDFRS is recruiting on-call firefighters, with a particular need in Stanhope, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, High Handenhold, Crook, Sedgefield, and Durham.
On-call firefighters are paid and can be anything from factory workers, cooks and farmers to carers, full-time parents or students.
Applicants must live or work within five minutes of a fire station and only individuals aged 17 years and six months or older are eligible to apply.
Successful candidates will receive intensive training before taking on the role.
On-call firefighters commit to around 60-80 hours per week and attend weekly drill nights at their assigned fire station to hone their skills.
Click here to apply.
