By Sen. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40)
The West Scranton community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Coach Tommy Selemba, president of the West Scranton Jr. Invaders. While I did not have the privilege of knowing Coach Selemba personally, his reputation speaks volumes. He was more than a leader in youth sports — he was a mentor and role model whose dedication to young people left a lasting and meaningful impact on everyone he encountered.
His passing is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how vital it is that we are prepared for emergencies, especially those we cannot predict.
This moment also brings renewed attention to another young life lost far too soon — Greg Moyer.
In 2000, Greg collapsed and died from sudden cardiac arrest while playing high school basketball. There was no automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. He was 15 years old.
In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Greg’s parents, John and Rachel Moyer, turned grief into action, founding the Greg W. Moyer Defibrillator Fund. Their tireless advocacy has placed hundreds of AEDs in schools and public spaces across Pennsylvania. Their work has and will continue to save lives.
But we can and must do more. That’s why I’ve authored Greg Moyer’s Law, legislation that would require AEDs to be present at all interscholastic athletic events, including games and practices. In addition, every school entity and non-public school to develop and implement a Sudden Cardiac Event Emergency Action Plan to ensure a rapid, coordinated response.
Cardiac arrest does not discriminate. It can strike without warning, often in young athletes who have no prior symptoms or diagnosed conditions. Seconds matter, and the presence of an AED — paired with a clear emergency response — can be the difference between life and death.
This is not a hypothetical issue. These are real families, real communities and real lives.
We owe it to Coach Selemba, to Greg and to every family that has endured a loss like this to act. No team, school or community should be left unprepared. A simple device and the readiness to use it can save a life.
To the Moyers, to the Selemba family and to every Pennsylvanian whose life has been touched by sudden cardiac arrest — your stories matter. Your voices are heard, and they continue to guide this work.
It’s time to enact Greg Moyer’s Law. Call your state legislators today.
Sen. Rosemary Brown represents the 40th Senatorial District, covering Lackawanna, Wayne and Monroe counties.
CONTACT: Mackenzie Mueller