Virginia § 18.2-488.1 - Flag at half staff or mast for certain public safety personnel killed in the line of duty
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-488.1 — Flag at half staff or mast for certain public safety personnel killed in the line of duty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-488.1. Flag at half staff or mast for certain public safety personnel killed in the line of duty
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Emergency medical services provider" means the same as that term is defined in § 32.1-111.1 and any member of a volunteer emergency medical services agency.
"Firefighter" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-300, and any member of a volunteer fire department.
"Police officer" means any full-time or part-time employee of a police department or sheriff's office which is a part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic, or highway laws of the Commonwealth and a state correctional officer of the Department of Corrections.
"Service member" means a member of the United States armed forces, Virginia National Guard, or Virginia Defense Force.
B. Whenever a service member, police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services provider who is a resident of Virginia is killed in the line of duty, all flags, state and local, flown at any building owned and operated by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof shall be flown at half staff or mast for one day to honor and acknowledge respect for those who made the supreme sacrifice.
C. The Department of General Services shall develop procedures to effectuate the purposes of this section.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-488.1
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-488.1 cover?
Section 18.2-488.1 ("Flag at half staff or mast for certain public safety personnel killed in the line of duty") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 18.2-488.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-488.1" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 18.2-488.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.