George Heath posthumously given 9/11 bravery award for actions during Taunton stabbing spree
It was a Tuesday night earlier this spring, and George Heath and his wife, Rosemary, were out to dinner at a Bertucci’s in Taunton.
Taunton stabbing victim George Heath.
Sitting at the bar, they hadn’t even taken a sip of their drinks, when a knife-wielding man entered the restaurant and began stabbing customers and employees at random.
According to officials, in an attempt to defend a waitress, who was pregnant, Heath confronted the attacker. Authorities say the 56-year-old high school teacher put himself between the attacker and the woman. Witnesses said Heath tried to grab the attacker’s knife, but was stabbed himself and ultimately died from his wounds.
On Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, officials posthumously presented Heath with a bravery award, in memory of the heroic actions of a Massachusetts flight attendant aboard the plane that was flown into the World Trade Center’s North Tower.
“When faced with the horror of an armed attacker, George Heath did not hesitate for an instant to act decisively to defend the safety of those around him,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “George Heath showed the same type of character and resolve that defined the heroes of 9/11 and it is our privilege to honor his sacrifice on this solemn anniversary.”
Heath was a visual arts teacher at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He received the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. Sweeney, an Acton resident and mother of two, was a flight attendant on the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11. Officials say she was able to relay information about the hijacking to ground crews.
Rosemary, Heath’s widow, joined Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito at the State House on Sunday to accept the award on the behalf of her late husband. In a Facebook post, she said she was “humbled and proud.”
https://www.facebook.com/rlynchrobinsonheath/posts/10155160845918942?pnref=story
Heath’s attacker, later identified as Taunton resident Arthur DaRosa, was shot and killed at the Taunton mall by an off-duty Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy James Creed, but not before his rampage left two dead and several injured. DaRosa’s family members said the 28-year-old was mentally disturbed and had previously been hospitalized.
Saveenah Savoy, the waitress who Heath protected, was hospitalized with stabbing injuries following the attack, but she and her baby did survive. Massachusetts officials said Sunday that Heath’s actions prevented further harm.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com