Virginia legal term

Firefighter in Virginia Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session

In Virginia criminal law, “Firefighter” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.

What does “Firefighter” mean in Virginia criminal law?

"Firefighter" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-300 , and any member of a volunteer fire department. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-488.1)

Statutes defining or using this term

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-488.1

Charges using this term

Assault and battery
False emergency communication to emergency personnel
Impersonating certain public safety personnel
Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel

Related terms in the same statutes

Law-enforcement officer
Employee
Property
Crime
Individual
Highway
Governing body
Health care provider
Juvenile
Conduct
Treatment
Knowingly

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.