Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, died shielding his family from gunfire when a shooter attempted to kill Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania
Hundreds of people gathered in a rural area of Pennsylvania on Friday, waving American flags to honor Corey Comperatore, a local hero and former Buffalo Township fire chief. Comperatore tragically lost his life while shielding his family from gunfire during a Saturday rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler.
“Get down,” were reportedly his last words. Comperatore, 50, leaves behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters. His daughter called him a “true hero,” and the large crowd that attended his funeral gave him a heartfelt farewell.
The funeral procession included law enforcement from various levels, local police, federal agents, firefighters from all over the area, EMS, and military personnel. Residents waved flags, and many were visibly emotional, wiping away tears.
Comperatore’s fire helmet and jacket were displayed on stage with Trump during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on Thursday. Trump praised Comperatore in his speech, saying, “He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets… what a fine man he was. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others.”
Trump highlighted Comperatore’s sacrifice, stating, “This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”
Comperatore served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, was the chief of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department in the early 2000s, and was known as a loving father and husband. Musician Billy Ray Cyrus, who is passionate about honoring troops and first responders, attended the service, shaking hands with law enforcement members and performing in honor of Comperatore.
“Above all, Corey was the quintessential family man and the best girl dad,” his obituary reads. “His love for his wife Helen was a testament to the power of partnership and devotion. Together, they raised two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, who will carry forward his spirit of compassion.”
Allyson wrote a heartfelt Facebook post after her father’s death, saying, “Time stopped. And when it started again my family and I started living a real-life nightmare. What was supposed to be an exciting day that we had all looked forward to (ESPECIALLY my dad) turned into the most traumatizing experience someone could imagine.”
Helen, his wife, told the New York Post, “He’s my hero. He just said, ‘Get down!’ That was the last thing he said.”
Comperatore’s courage was described as “quiet resilience” in his obituary, highlighting his quickness to help anyone in need. He had the “strength to be vulnerable, and the bravery to lead with love … His life reminds us that to be courageous is to love without limits.”
The Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company set up a memorial with Comperatore’s uniform outside the firehouse to honor him after his death.
The shooting that claimed Comperatore’s life nearly killed Trump as well, as a bullet grazed the former president’s ear, narrowly missing his head. Two other men, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were also shot but survived and are recovering in a hospital.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was positioned on a roof overlooking the rally about 150 yards from where Trump was speaking. He was ultimately “neutralized” to end the gunfire. Law enforcement is still investigating how Crooks managed to fire several rounds and is seeking to determine a definitive motive for the shooting.
Friday was a day to remember and honor Corey Comperatore, his life, and his legacy.