A police officer drowned while saving a 12-year old boy who had fallen into a fast-moving river.
Question:
A police officer drowned while saving a 12-year old boy who had fallen into a fast-moving river. The officer was able to save the boy’s life but suffered an injury in the process and lost his own life. On the day of the rescue, the officer had taken a personal day, was off duty, and was voluntarily serving as a chaperone for a church youth group on a trip to a recreation al area. The officer was not “on-call” that day nor in uniform, although his badge and department-issued pager and firearm were found on his body. The incident took place outside the jurisdiction of his police department. The officer’s sacrifice was honored by numerous officials, including recognition for having died “in the line of duty.” The officer’s wife filed for workers’ compensation and her claim was contested. What should the court decide? Why?
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