Bartolotta, Santarsiero Unveil Bill to Help Families of First Responders Who Die by Suicide

State Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46)  and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) introduced legislation to provide emergency and law enforcement personnel with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI)-related death benefits.

The bill is named for Bryan F. Gray, a Pennsylvania State Trooper and a former Green Beret. Gray died by suicide as a result of his service as a trooper.

“First responders, like Bryan, selflessly put their lives on the line to serve and protect the people of the commonwealth. We owe these heroes and their families for the sacrifices they routinely make,” Bartolotta said. “Our bill would take another step forward in the care of families of fallen first responders.”

Credit: PA General Assembly

Current law provides death benefits to first responders who perish in the line of duty. It does not extend to those we lose because of PTSI that is caused by their service.

“Our first responders are heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect the people of this commonwealth, and we owe them and their families a debt of gratitude,” said Santarsiero. “Too often, our first responders are deeply affected by the horrors and tragedies they witness on the job, but do not receive the help they need. When our first responders fall, in the line of duty or by suicide as a consequence of the weight of their experience in the line of duty, it is our moral obligation to step up and support their families with the death benefits they deserve.”

Credit: PA General Assembly

“Bryan’s Law is about protecting those who protect us – and the families who stand behind them,” said Emily Chau Gray, Gray’s widow. “When first responders face trauma on the job, they shouldn’t have to bear it alone. And when tragedy happens, their families shouldn’t be left without support. Bryan’s Law ensures that when a first responder dies by suicide due to job-related trauma, like PTSI, their death is treated as a line-of-duty death. Families deserve the same care, recognition and benefits as those whose loved ones are killed in action. This is about compassion, fairness and doing what’s right for the heroes who give everything to keep our communities safe.”

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every single day, and when they face the unimaginable toll of their work, we must ensure their families are supported,” said Chuck Bailey, PA State Fraternal Order of Police vice president. “Bryan F. Gray’s tragic death highlights the urgent need for change – first responders suffering from the invisible scars of service deserve the same protections and benefits as those lost in the line of duty. This legislation is a long-overdue recognition of their sacrifices and a commitment to taking care of those who take care of us.”

“The mental health of first responders has often been overlooked,” said Gary Watters, president of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania. “Studies suggest that 10% to 35% of first responders experience mental health conditions, including PTSI. A first responder is more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Senate Bill 110, in conjunction with Act 121 of 2024, will be beneficial for all EMS providers and their families. The Ambulance Association of PA thanks the legislators for recognizing the needs of the first responder community.”

Last session, Bartolotta introduced and championed legislation to extend workers compensation rights to first responders who suffer from PTSI from their job-related duties. It was signed into law as Act 121 of 2024.

“Bryan’s story hits home for Allentown firefighters as we have suffered similar experiences within our organization,” said Jeremy Warmkessel, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 302. “This legislation is very timely and helps to expand on the recent PTSI legislation passed last year. Our families deserve to be taken care of and we thank Sens. Santarsiero and Bartolotta for their efforts in ensuring that happens.”

“It is a tragic reality that we continue to mourn firefighters and other first responders who not only make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty but also those who succumb to the lasting impacts of PTSI sustained on the job,” said Robert “Bob” Brooks,  president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA). “We must do more to support the mental health and well-being of our firefighters and ensure that the families of those who tragically take their own lives are not left without the benefits and recognition they deserve. The PPFFA has long stood by the families of fallen firefighters and we are proud to support Bryan’s Law, which rightfully extends line-of-duty death benefits to include those lost to the unseen wounds of service.”

“Bryan Gray was a brave trooper and Green Beret who served Pennsylvania and our nation with distinction,” said Stephen Polishan, president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association. “The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association appreciates the leadership of Sens. Bartolotta and Santarsiero, as well as Rep. Melissa Cerrato, to secure passage of Bryan’s Law. Our hearts remain with Trooper Gray’s wife Emily and daughter Charlotte.”