Teacher hailed as a hero says he just did job

[demmiblue]

LITTLETON, Colo. -- The math teacher who has become a national hero after breaking up a potentially deadly school shooting Tuesday near the site of the Columbine massacre said Wednesday that he was simply doing his job to protect his students from danger.

Schools in Littleton have gone through extensive emergency drills since the tragedy at Columbine High School, the site of one of the nation's deadliest school shootings, and David Benke said he always thought about what he'd do if a school shooting broke out.

"If something happens and there's something that I can do about it, I want to try and do something about it," Benke, 57, said at a news conference with other staff members from Deer Creek Middle School, at times choking up with emotion. "I said, 'I hope that I'm capable of doing something about it.' "

Benke tackled a 32-year-old man armed with a high-powered rifle just after two teenage students were shot at the school less than 3 miles from Columbine High, where two teenagers killed 12 students and a teacher in 1999.

Both students survived. One remained hospitalized.

<SNIP>

Benke has become a hero. A Facebook page called "Dr. David Benke Is A Hero!!!!" quickly grew to more than 17,000 members, and his actions were discussed on the floor of the state Senate. :7

http://www.freep.com/article/20100225/NEWS07/2250567/1322/Teacher-hailed-as-a-hero-says-he-just-did-job

[LWolf]

1. Good thing he doesn't teach in Central Falls. nt

[Javaman]

2. I guess he chose to bring a flying tacket to a gun fight....

Bravo to the teacher! :)

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

3. Excellent job Mr. Benke!