By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com (Submitted Photo)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Saturday, the Fort Payne Police Department, in association with the Wills Town Rats, held a bike night benefit for Dade County Sheriff's Office Deputy Major Tommy Bradford.

During a police chase on August 7, Bradford lost his left leg after responding to a call related to the chase that had come into Dade County from Fort Payne. The suspect, Laura Leeann Wooten, struck Bradford at a high rate of speed. He was taken to the hospital, where he later lost his leg.

The Fort Payne Police Department reported that more than $12,000 was raised on behalf of Bradford on Saturday through donations at the event, the police department, and at Fort Payne City Hall.

In addition to the money raised by the benefit, FirstOn, a local hosiery, also presented a check for $3,200, mostly from Boom Days sales of their products.

FirstOn team member Dylan Kate Coffey described FirstOn as "a brand that is designed specifically for the incredible men and women who are first on the scene when emergencies occur, including brave individuals working for our fire departments, our police, military and EMS professionals."

"Our goal as a company is to give back to those first responders who keep us safe on a daily basis," Coffey continued.

FirstOn founder Chuck Coffey presented the check to Bradford at the event.

If you would like to help Deputy Bradford, an account at Bank of Dade has been opened for those who wish to donate. You may also donate online at paypal.me.tommybradfordfamily.