by Suffolk County, NY – In a remarkable and life-saving event, Suffolk County police officers successfully saved the life of a 72-year-old man suffering from a severe allergic reaction just 48 hours after all patrol cars were equipped with EpiPens. This quick response showcases the critical impact of the newly implemented program that equips law enforcement with lifesaving tools.
A Life Saved: The First Use of EpiPens in Suffolk County Police Cars
On a Sunday afternoon, Greg Kronrad, who owns an auto-parts business in Wyandanch, was stung by a bee and rapidly fell into a life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Struggling for nearly 15 minutes, Kronrad called his son, who immediately dialed 911. Suffolk County police officers arrived swiftly and administered two doses of epinephrine using the new EpiPens, stabilizing Kronrad’s condition and ultimately saving his life.
“We probably wouldn’t be talking right now if I had to wait for the paramedics or if I had gotten stung three days prior,” Greg Kronrad told The Post.
Legislative Background: How the EpiPen Program Came to Suffolk County
The successful deployment of EpiPens follows New York State’s passage of Gio’s Law in 2019, mandating EpiPens in police cars. However, Suffolk County was initially excluded alongside other populous counties due to technical legislative language designed only to exempt New York City, which operates its own EpiPen program.
In 2023, the state updated the legislation allowing Suffolk and other large municipalities to opt into the program voluntarily. Suffolk County became the first county to adopt this program outside NYC, equipping its police vehicles with EpiPens within just days.
- Suffolk County police equipped patrol cars with EpiPens in early September 2025.
- The first life-saving use occurred just two days after deployment.
- Other counties like Nassau and Westchester remain excluded despite similar population sizes.
- Advocates are urging these counties to adopt the program promptly.
Community and Official Reactions Highlight Importance of the Program
The swift action of Suffolk police and the clear success of the EpiPen program drew widespread praise from local officials and community members alike.
“This is what happens when the government works as intended,” said State Sen. Dean Murray (R), applauding the initiative.
“Three days after deployment, a man’s life was saved — that’s all the proof you need,” Legislator Dominick Thorne, sponsor of Suffolk’s EpiPen law, told.
These comments emphasize the urgent call to action for neighboring counties to implement similar life-saving measures, reinforcing that accessible EpiPens in emergency situations are a crucial advancement for public health and safety.
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Looking Forward: Encouraging Wider Adoption of EpiPen Programs
With Suffolk County proving that rapid access to epinephrine in police vehicles can save lives within days of adoption, attention now turns to other counties outside New York City that have yet to opt in.
Advocates and policymakers argue that expanding the EpiPen program statewide could prevent countless deaths from severe allergic reactions. The success story of Greg Kronrad underscores the fundamental value of equipping first responders with life-saving tools.
For more on this developing public safety initiative, refer to the original report here.
Key Takeaways:
- Gio’s Law originally excluded Suffolk County but now allows opt-in participation.
- Suffolk County is the first outside NYC to implement EpiPens in police vehicles.
- A 72-year-old man’s life was saved just 48 hours after the rollout.
- The program highlights the critical importance of accessible epinephrine during anaphylactic emergencies.
- Activists urge nearby counties to adopt similar initiatives swiftly.
What do you think about this life-saving initiative? Have you or someone you know been affected by severe allergic reactions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
