Tragedy unfolded on Feb. 16 at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, RI. There was an apparent family dispute, and a shooter brought a gun into the arena. Three victims were killed and two more were critically injured. The shooter died by suicide after being tackled and subdued.
During the shooting, chaos erupted as hockey fans ran for cover. Michael Black, who was seated behind the shooter with his wife, told her to run. He then jumped on the shooter and lunged for the weapon. His hand got stuck in the slide of the gun to prevent it from firing. He wound up on top of the shooter and was pushed off. Two other men joined in to help stop the shooter, who then pulled out a second weapon and fatally shot themself.
Michael acted very courageously without regard for his own safety. Having known Michael as a close friend for many years, I wasn’t surprised by his actions. He owned National Marker Co., which made safety signs and identification products. During his tenure at NMC, Michael was on the Exhibitor Advisory Board of the National Safety Council. National Marker exhibited many times at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo, while contributing to charitable causes.
The word “hero” has taken on many meanings. In sports, you can be called a hero if you hit a clutch home run or score a touchdown. Michael is a true “safety hero” in the best sense of the word. He undoubtedly saved lives with his quick-thinking and selfless action. Our safety industry should be as proud of him as I am.
Tom Prinzing
President
Zing Green Safety Products LLC
