In the near future, we will be introducing a resolution to designate May 13th as “Gold Shield Family Day” in Pennsylvania.
 
For generations our communities have produced many first responders such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, correction officers, emergency dispatch officers, emergency service providers, and many more who have made major sacrifices in their lives to help keep our communities safe. Although these brave first responders risk their lives and safety every day to help those in need, there are some among them who make the ultimate sacrifice and give their own lives to protect others in the line-of-duty.
 
Yet while their sacrifices have helped countless people across Pennsylvania and we continue to honor them, we must also recognize those who were left behind as a result of those sacrifices, for while those who were saved by their brave actions will never forget the heroes that rescued them, nor will the families of those fallen first responders ever forget the loved ones they lost through their courageous sacrifice and the loss of whom changes their lives forever.
 
This resolution is also timely as it coincides with the recent passage of House Resolution 364 of 2025 sponsored by Congressman Daniel Meuser which officially recognized the families of fallen first responders as “Gold Shield Families” across the nation. By recognizing May 13th as “Gold Shield Family Day” in Pennsylvania we can not only honor the families of fallen first responders by building off of that national recognition, but also further honor those first responders who gave everything to protect our communities.
 
Please join us in cosponsoring this important resolution to recognize May 13th as “Gold Shield Family Day” in Pennsylvania so that we may further honor the families of the brave heroes that have kept our communities safe for generations and continue to honor the service and sacrifices of those brave first responders who gave everything for our Commonwealth.