New Bedford tech school honors teacher killed in Taunton stabbing rampage

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — More than a year after he gave his life protecting others during the stabbing rampage at the Silver City Galleria, George Heath was given a permanent memorial at the school he worked at Saturday.

Heath was a dedicated teacher at the Greater New Bedford Vocational Tech School and when students return for classes in 2 weeks, they'll see his Carnegie Medal of Heroism displayed on campus.

His wife, Rosemary Heath, was emotional when she saw the medal displayed there.

"It's just stunning," Heath told ABC 6 News.

The medal was placed under a cherry blossom tree. Students asked the school to plant it there knowing it was George's favorite.

"They were everything to him. The whole reason for George getting up every day and loving his job and being as happy as he was because of the students and the ability they have," she says.
Rosemary accepted the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Medal on the first anniversary of the attack, honoring the incredible sacrifice her husband made when he gave his life so others could live. She could've put it anywhere, but chose the school.

MORE: Teacher called a "hero" for actions during Taunton stabbings

"He really had a big impact on the school on the staff and the students that were lucky enough to have him. Rosemary is still sharing George with the Voc-Tech community, it's amazing, she’s an amazing woman," says Sue Demers, who works at the school.

Because of that, students for years to come will know exactly what George did and Rosemary hopes it will be an invaluable lesson to always help others. "George did. He did it every day, he did it when he died and we stood together to help someone who needed it," says Heath.

MORE: Students use prom money to honor late teacher 

George Heath is leaving a lasting impact on his students in more ways than one. This year, $7,500 worth of scholarships were given out through the George Heath Superhero Scholarship.

ABC6 News