Math teacher David Benke will be hailed nationally as a hero for thwarting a school shooting at Deer Creek Middle School in Jefferson County in February.
Benke will be lauded at the National School Safety Conference in Orlando, Fla., July 26-30.
Benke tackled former Deer Creek student Bruco “Bo” Strong Eagle Eastwood, 32, as he reportedly tried to reload after wounding two students in the assault on Feb. 23.
“This is the first case we are aware of where a teacher made a quick decision to tackle an active shooter and Mr. Benke’s actions no doubt saved so many young lives that day,” Curt Lavarello, executive director of the the School Safety Advocacy Council, said in a statement today.
“This is chance for the entire nation to say ‘Thank you’ to Mr. Benke on a national stage. David Benke deserves this day and this honor.”
The conference will include more than 400 school safety officials, as well as school district administrators and law enforcement agencies.
