Home/Case Law/SHELLY REESE vs. COUNTY OF KERN, KERN COUNTY SHERIFF, SHERIFF'S RESERVE ASSOCIATION, UNINSURED EMPLOYERS BENEFITS TRUST FUND
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SHELLY REESE vs. COUNTY OF KERN, KERN COUNTY SHERIFF, SHERIFF'S RESERVE ASSOCIATION, UNINSURED EMPLOYERS BENEFITS TRUST FUND

Filed: May 16, 2025
Bakersfield
ADJ9098975

CompFox AI Summary

Shelly Reese, a reserve deputy for the County of Kern, was injured during a motocross demonstration at the 2013 Stampede Days, an annual fundraising event for the Sheriff's Department. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to determine if Reese was an employee under the Workers' Compensation Act. The WCAB found that Reese established a presumption of employment due to receiving remuneration in the form of training and uniforms, therefore overriding the public agency volunteer exclusion. Concluding she was performing peace officer duties, the Board rescinded the prior finding of her as a professional athlete and reclassified her employment as a Peace Officer, Occupational Group Number 490.

Full Decision Text1 Pages

Shelly Reese, a reserve deputy for the County of Kern, was injured during a motocross demonstration at the 2013 Stampede Days, an annual fundraising event for the Sheriff's Department. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to determine if Reese was an employee under the Workers' Compensation Act. The WCAB found that Reese established a presumption of employment due to receiving remuneration in the form of training and uniforms, therefore overriding the public agency volunteer exclusion. Concluding she was performing peace officer duties, the Board rescinded the prior finding of her as a professional athlete and reclassified her employment as a Peace Officer, Occupational Group Number 490.

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SHELLY REESE vs. COUNTY OF KERN, KERN COUNTY SHERIFF, SHERIFF'S RESERVE ASSOCIATION, UNINSURED EMPLOYERS BENEFITS TRUST FUND (2025) – Bakersfield | CompFox