A mental health manager who tackled a gunman who killed his caseworker and wounded a psychiatrist at an eastern Pennsylvania hospital complex is one of 24 people being honored with a Carnegie medal for heroism.
The Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Hero Fund Commission says 42-year-old John D'Alonzo helped rescue Dr. Lee Silverman after the psychiatrist was wounded by 50-year-old Richard Plotts.
Plotts pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges he killed caseworker Theresa Hunt before shooting Silverman at the Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital campus in Yeadon on July 24, 2014. Silverman was able to grab his own gun and wound Plotts, who D'Alonzo tackled and helped disarm.
The medals are named for Pittsburgh steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The commission awards medals and cash to people who risk their lives saving others.
Carnegie Hero: Delco Wellness Center Manager Who Helped Stop Psychiatric Shooter Earns Honor
Copyright AP - Associated Press
