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Standing alongside Westchester County Police Officers, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins signed into law legislation that will ensure relevant County Police officers are equipped and trained to administer epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) while on duty—providing a critical, life-saving tool for allergy emergencies.
Jenkins said: “By signing this bill into law, Westchester County is taking a major step forward in protecting our residents and giving our officers the tools they need to save lives. This legislation is about preparedness, compassion, and ensuring that no family has to experience a preventable tragedy.”
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “When a constituent reached out asking us to help families struggling with potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, I knew Westchester needed to do everything it could. Too many families, including my own, live with the daily fear of a severe allergic reaction, and this law will help ensure that first responders are ready to save lives. I’m proud that the entire Board voted to make this commonsense step a reality.”
The new law—known as the Giovanni Cipriano Act—provides that all relevant County police officers carry EpiPens. Named in memory of Giovanni “Gio” Cipriano, a 14-year-old New Yorker who tragically died after unknowingly consuming peanuts in trail mix, the legislation ensures officers—often the first on scene during 911 calls—can respond immediately to cases of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.
The Love for Giovanni Foundation Founder Georgina Cornago said: “To see Gio’s Law come to life here in Westchester County is deeply emotional and inspiring. This law will ensure that officers are trained and ready to act when seconds matter most. My son Giovanni’s legacy continues to save lives, and I’m profoundly grateful to County Executive Ken Jenkins, Legislator Vedat Gashi, and everyone who helped make this happen.”
Chappaqua Resident and Horace Greely High School student Jared Saiontz said: “I am one of the 32 million Americans who live with life-threatening food allergies. The Giovanni Cipriano Act will be lifesaving because it ensures that first responders have the tools -both training and epinephrine- to help save a life during an anaphylactic reaction.”
Chappaqua Resident and Jared Saiontz’s mother Stacey Saiontz said: “I am so proud of my son Jared, who was born with 26 anaphylactic allergies, for proposing this important legislation to Westchester County Board Chairman Vedat Gashi, who listened and took action! The Giovanni Cipriano Act, which is named after our friend Georgina’s son, who sadly lost his life to an anaphylactic reaction, will provide Westchester County first responders with the tools they need to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when minutes can be the difference between life and death.”
Westchester County Department of Public Safety Chief of Police James Luciano said: “This initiative is a tremendous step forward in protecting the lives of our residents and visitors. In cases of anaphylaxis, every second counts. By equipping our officers with EpiPens, we’re ensuring they have one more lifesaving tool to use in those critical moments before medical personnel arrive. This new law reflects the strong partnership between our County leadership and the Department in advancing public safety.”
Majority Whip Terry Clements Chair of the Board’s Public Safety Committee said: “This is a simple, life-saving measure. Giving our officers epinephrine auto-injectors means they can act fast and protect residents when it matters most.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee said: “We have heard heartbreaking stories, including the tragic deaths of children, due to the lack of immediate access to life-saving treatment. This Act takes a crucial step forward by ensuring our officers have both the tools and training to respond in those critical moments. I am proud to support legislation that will help prevent these tragedies in our community.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr Chair of the Board’s Human Services Committee said: “For an individual experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction, the quick administration of epinephrine is a matter of life and death, so training and supplying our County public safety officers with epinephrine auto-injectors is sure to save lives. I hope that the passage of this law at the County level will encourage all of Westchester’s cities, towns and villages to adopt a similar law in their local municipality if they have not already done so.”