David Benke is a middle school math teacher in Littleton, Colorado.  With twenty-five years of teaching behind him he is a popular teacher at Deer Creek Middle School, known as “Dr. Benke” for his PhD.  A one-time finalist for Colorado teacher of the year, he is also popular in his community as a social organizer who holds cul-de-sac parties and shares food from his garden.

On Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 he was on duty in the parking lot after school.  He heard gunfire and walked towards it.  When he saw a man on the ground reloading, he ran to him and jumped on him.  Another teacher joined him.  Benke wasn’t quick enough to stop a second shop but he clearly stopped something that could have been a lot worse.  Two students were injured, but no-one knows how many others could have been.

Submitted by: Mary-france Oudin