When Devon Martin’s car hit an icy patch on the Rankin Bridge in early December, the borough’s police chief Ryan Wooten was the first emergency responder on the team. He found Martin holding his lifeless daughter, Sonja, in his arms. Wooten performed CPR on the 3-year-old. It was later determined that Wooten’s heroics helped save the girl, who remains paralyzed in Children’s Hospital and on a feeding tube.

Wooten quickly and successfully organized a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser and the Croatian Hall on 4th Avenue. The day-long event overwhelmed Devon Martin, who said he was surprised by the outpouring and turnout. “This is bigger than we expected,” said Martin to the KSWA.

Wooten and his crew of officers were joined by EMS, Firefighters and other emergency personnel, as well as dozens of nearby well-wishers. State Senators Jay Costa and Paul Costa, Jim Brewster, Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, West Mifflin District Judge Dan Olasz, as well as Rankin Mayor Nick Glova, council President William Price and Vice President Bill Pfoff showed their support. Some even served as “Celebrity Chefs.”

United States Congressman Mike Doyle from nearby Swissvale and Allegheny County Council Chuck Martoni (and KSWA Hall of Famer) also pulled up a chair and put down some spaghetti.

“It was important to show our support to Chief Wooten and the other emergency personnel,” said KSWA Owner Bobby O, who attended the event with Lou Martin, Shawn Blanchard and Bobby Badfingers. KSWA World Champion Shane Starr, who usually attends these types of events, had a scheduling conflict but sent his regards.

Bobby O brought the KSWA World Heavyweight Title and shared it with Wooten, Rankin Police Lt. Steve Sion, officer Pedro Valles, Congressman Doyle and dozens of others.

KSWA Officials also talked with Devon Martin about the potential for a fundraiser to benefit Sonja. The KSWA encourages all of its fans and others to visit www.gofundme.com/DevonMartin or mail donations to Devon Martin, c/o the Rankin Police Department, 320 Hawkins Avenue, Rankin, PA 15104.