The Westchester County Board of Legislators has passed a new law that could save lives in moments of crisis. Known as “Gio’s Law,” the measure will require all county police officers to carry EpiPens, ensuring that first responders are equipped to treat severe allergic reactions before emergency medical personnel arrive.
The legislation was inspired by the tragic story of Giovanni “Gio” Cipollone, a local child who died from a severe allergic reaction to nuts in 2019. His family’s years-long advocacy pushed for broader access to life-saving epinephrine injectors and training for law enforcement officers who are often first on the scene.
Under the new law—officially titled the Giovanni Cipriano Act—every police officer in Westchester County will receive annual training in identifying anaphylaxis and properly administering EpiPens. The county will also establish a funding mechanism to cover the cost of devices and training through its public health and emergency services budget.
County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasized the importance of preparedness and compassion:
“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 Chair Vedat Gashi echoed those sentiments, noting the bill’s roots in community advocacy:
“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.”
Honoring Gio’s Legacy
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 that police officers—often first on scene during 911 calls—can respond immediately to cases of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Georgina Cornago, founder of The Love for Giovanni Foundation, expressed her deep gratitude:
“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 Greeley High School student Jared Saiontz, who lives with severe food allergies, also praised the new law:
“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.”
National Momentum Building
While Gio’s Law is a first for Westchester, it’s part of a growing movement across the country to equip first responders with epinephrine. Several states—including Illinois, Michigan, and Tennessee—have enacted similar laws that authorize or require law enforcement officers to carry EpiPens once they complete certified medical training.
For example, Illinois passed the “Annie LeGere Law,” named after a 13-year-old girl who died of an allergic reaction in 2015. That law allows police and state troopers to administer epinephrine during emergencies. Michigan’s “Law Enforcement and Firefighter Access to Epinephrine Act” and Tennessee’s “Public Safety Epinephrine Access Law” offer comparable protections and training frameworks.
At the federal level, however, there is no national law mandating police departments to carry EpiPens. The U.S. Congress has debated legislation like the EPIPEN Act (H.R. 6965), which focuses on affordability and access to epinephrine, but it does not create a nationwide requirement for law enforcement. Advocates for Gio’s Law hope Westchester’s example will spark national interest in expanding these life-saving measures beyond local jurisdictions.
Insert: New York & National Overview
Counties in New York with EpiPen Legislation:
- Suffolk County (2023) – First in New York to require police to carry EpiPens.
- Westchester County (2025) – Passed “Gio’s Law,” formally known as the Giovanni Cipriano Act.
States with Statewide Legislation:
- Illinois: “Annie LeGere Law” (2021) allows state police to carry/administer epinephrine after certified training.
- Michigan: “Law Enforcement and Firefighter Access to Epinephrine Act” (2020) permits agencies to purchase and distribute injectors.
- Tennessee: Tenn. Code §63-1-158 enables police agencies to adopt protocols and training for epinephrine use.
A Model for Compassionate Policing
The law takes effect January 1, 2026, once officers complete their certified training. Police unions have expressed support, recognizing that the measure enhances their ability to protect and serve beyond traditional enforcement duties.
In an era when conversations around policing often focus on accountability and reform, Gio’s Law represents a shift toward community care and public health collaboration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful act of protection is not about enforcing the law—but saving a life when every second counts.
