Abstract
This paper reviews recent volunteer retention research within the CFA. Reflection is invited upon the possibility of a relationship between making the most of what a volunteer knows and can do and the criticality of emergency services working in a strongly bonded manner with communities. There is a win/win outcome as volunteers bring much from their life’s experiences and gain much additional knowledge and skill from their volunteering. The conscious valuing of this expanding individual and collective volunteer knowledge and skill base beckons as a foundation from which emergency services can reach to, and engage with, the wider community.
