Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organizations. This report investigates the impact literacy levels may have on the ability of volunteers to meet demands for more formal training and assessment. The role of these organizations to develop the skills of people in rural and remote communities is also considered. The research finds public safety organizations are important sites of adult learning, particularly for men. While the introduction of more formalized training presents opportunities, such as building community capacity, challenges also exist. Strategies to overcome potential barriers include developing training and assessment that relates to local situations, adapting training and assessment materials to suit learners, and including hands-on, practical training where possible. Appended are: (1) Supporting data; and (2) Survey of brigade/unit members. (Contains 26 tables.)