Scott Pool Lifeguard Honored for Heroics

Scott Township honored one if its lifeguards who saved a young boy from drowning earlier this month.

Joe Ragni, flanked by his family and more than a dozen other Scott Pool lifeguards, accepted a proclamation for his heroic service from the Scott commissioners on Tuesday night. The boy he saved, Brandon Sparber, also attended the meeting and the two chatted and hugged.

Brandon was treading water in the pool on July 5 when he suddenly went under. before performing CPR. Scott police and Glendale paramedics later assisted, and Brandon made a full recovery at Children’s Hospital.

“I was just on auto-pilot,” Ragni said of his training.

Ragni said he appreciates accolades from the community, but hopes the attention he receives will start to subside.

“Everybody says what a good job,” Ragni said. “I just want it to die down a little.”

The Sparbers had traveled from their South Fayette home to enjoy a day at the pool, and it nearly turned tragic. Brandon’s parents, Barry and Holly, said they are thankful for Ragni’s heroic effort.

“It’s amazing,” Holly Sparber said. “My son refers to him as his guardian angel.”

Scott Pool Manager Ron Ellis said Ragni and all of the other lifeguards do incredible work throughout the summer. He also pointed to the police and paramedic response as an integral part to the rescue.

“It just worked out great,” Ellis said.

 Also during the meeting…

• The board appointed Dennis “DJ” Brooks as commissioner . Brooks was selected 4-2 over Joe Senkinc. Stacey Altman received a nomination, but received no votes. Brooks was sworn in by township Manager Denise Fitzgerald and took his seat before the end of the meeting. His term expires at the end of the year, but he is running for the seat against Altman in the November election.

• The commissioners also honored Robert Clark Winnette for his work as a crossing guard. Winnett had been a crossing guard sine August 2008. He told the commissioners he is surprised by the number of cars that pass school buses with flashing lights.

• The township with residents along Lindsay Road. Residents complained the township planned to stop cutting the grass, but the commissioners said it will continue.

• The used book sale is set for Sept. 21-25 at the lodge building above the pool.