California Code, Government Code - GOV § 13970

Direct action on the part of private citizens in preventing the commission of crimes against the person or property of others, or in apprehending criminals, or rescuing a person in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of fire, drowning, or other catastrophe, benefits the entire public.  In recognition of the public purpose served, the state may indemnify such citizens, their surviving spouses, their surviving children, and any persons dependent upon such citizens for their principal support in appropriate cases for any injury, death, or damage sustained by such citizens, their surviving spouses, their surviving children, and any persons dependent upon such citizens for their principal support as a direct consequence of such meritorious action to the extent that they are not compensated for the injury, death, or damage from any other source.  A claim shall be denied if an award has been made under Article 1 (commencing with Section 13960) of this chapter for the same incident.