Virginia § 65.2-102 - Coverage of firefighters and law-enforcement officers in off-duty capacity
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 65.2-102 — Coverage of firefighters and law-enforcement officers in off-duty capacity, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65.2-102. Coverage of firefighters and law-enforcement officers in off-duty capacity
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a claim for workers' compensation benefits shall be deemed to be in the course of employment of any firefighter or law-enforcement officer who, in an off-duty capacity or outside an assigned shift or work location, undertakes any law-enforcement or rescue activity. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an employer from using any defense otherwise available under this title.
B. For purposes of this section:
"Firefighter" means all (i) salaried firefighters, including special forest wardens designated pursuant to § 10.1-1135, emergency medical services personnel, and arson investigators and (ii) volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, if the governing body of the political subdivision in which the principal office of such volunteer fire company or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located has adopted a resolution acknowledging such volunteer fire company or volunteer emergency medical services agency as employees for purposes of this title.
"Law-enforcement officer" means all (i) members of county, city, town, or authority police departments, (ii) sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, (iii) auxiliary or reserve police and auxiliary or reserve deputy sheriffs, if the governing body of the political subdivision in which the principal office of such auxiliary or reserve police and auxiliary or reserve deputy sheriff force is located has adopted a resolution acknowledging such auxiliary or reserve police and auxiliary or reserve deputy sheriffs as employees for purposes of this title, (iv) members of the State Police Officers' Retirement System, and (v) members of the Capitol Police as described in § 30-34.2:1.
1993, c. 719; 2001, c. 330; 2008, c. 109; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 65.2-102
What does Code of Virginia § 65.2-102 cover?
Section 65.2-102 ("Coverage of firefighters and law-enforcement officers in off-duty capacity") 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 § 65.2-102?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 65.2-102" (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 § 65.2-102 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.