Dauphin News

Sens. Camera Bartolotta and Steve Santarsiero have introduced a bill aimed at providing death benefits to the families of first responders who die by suicide due to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) related to their service. Named after Bryan F. Gray, a Pennsylvania State Trooper and former Green Beret who died by suicide, the legislation seeks to address gaps in current laws that do not cover PTSI-related deaths.

Bartolotta emphasized the need for this legislative change, stating, "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." She added that this bill is an important step in caring for families of fallen first responders.

Santarsiero echoed these sentiments: "Our first responders are heroes who put their lives on the line every day... 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."

Emily Chau Gray, widow of Bryan F. Gray, highlighted that "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."

The proposed Senate Bill 110 builds upon previous efforts led by Bartolotta, including Act 121 of 2024 which extended workers' compensation rights to first responders with PTSI.

Chuck Bailey from PA State Fraternal Order of Police noted that “Bryan F. Gray’s tragic death highlights the urgent need for change,” while Gary Watters from Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania stressed that “the mental health of first responders has often been overlooked.”

Support for Bryan's Law extends across various organizations representing emergency personnel. Jeremy Warmkessel from International Association of Fire Fighters Local 302 remarked on its timeliness following recent PTSI legislation: “Our families deserve to be taken care of.” Similarly, Robert Brooks from Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association underscored support for extending benefits: “We must do more... The PPFFA has long stood by... we are proud to support Bryan’s Law.”

Stephen Polishan from Pennsylvania State Troopers Association acknowledged Gray's service and appreciated legislative efforts supporting this initiative: “The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association appreciates... Our hearts remain with Trooper Gray’s wife Emily and daughter Charlotte.”

###