Cinnamon Filipiak is an on-call firefighter in Barnard Castle.
She’s a New Zealand bartender who followed her dream of becoming a firefighter more than 11,000 miles away from home.
Cinnamon Filipiak was inspired by her regulars at The Cricketers Arms in Barnard Castle to join County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as an on-call firefighter.
“It was the best decision I could ever have made,” the 31-year-old said.
“I have the best pub job ever and I have met so many people, including my partner.
“Some of the on-call firefighters come into the pub and it was great to meet passionate people who loved their job and that is what attracted me to join the Service.”
Cinnamon spent her childhood looking up to her family members, who served in the Army and Navy, and aspired to have a job where she, too, could make a difference.
After deciding a career in the Army wasn’t for her, Cinnamon studied for a Bachelor of Social Science and considered a role as a youth worker or councillor.
But, in 2018, Cinnamon decided to trace her family roots back to England and moved from Hamilton in New Zealand to Henley-on-Thames, where she worked as an au pair and in a pub until the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Cinnamon then worked as care assistant in a care home before relocating to the North East and settling in Barnard Castle.
“My dad was born in England, so I have dual-nationality, and I wanted to come and see what this side of the world is like,” Cinnamon said.
“That was seven years ago - and I’ve never left!”
Cinnamon applied to be an on-call firefighter in January 2024 and immediately began training for the physical role-related tests that candidates undertake as part of the recruitment process.
Although Cinnamon failed the 30kg bar lift, initially, she was not deterred and trained even harder.
“I gave myself six weeks to try again,” she said.
“I increased my personal training to twice a week, was going to the gym at least once a week and was also doing parkrun.
“Training hard paid off and I passed the second time.
“I think I surprised myself with my capabilities!
“My family have supported me a lot and are so proud of me.
“They knew that this was what I really wanted to do and something that I pushed for and didn’t give up.”
Cinnamon started working at Barnard Castle fire station in April this year and attends weekly drill nights to develop her skills.
“I felt really nervous on my first day as I didn’t know what to expect, but the crew have been so welcoming,” she said.
“Joining the Service for me was about helping people and I really take pride in my work.
“I hope to be in the Service for a long time to come.”
CDDFRS is recruiting on-call firefighters, with a particular need in Stanhope, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, High Handenhold, Crook, Sedgefield, and Durham.
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.
The role is paid and successful candidates will receive intensive training.
On-call firefighters commit to an average of 60-80 hours per week and attend weekly drill nights at their assigned fire station to hone their skills.
The full list of stations and their drill nights can be found on the Service website: https://www.ddfire.gov.uk/call-firefighters-applications-now-open
Applications for the role are open now. Click here to apply.
