On Wednesday, hundreds of individuals gathered in Sarvar, Pennsylvania to honor the late former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life at a rally for former President Donald Trump over the weekend. The community came together outside Lernersville Speedway for a vigil where they were encouraged to focus on unity and healing following the violence that occurred at the hands of a local 20-year-old individual.
At the vigil, a poignant sign with the words “Rest in Peace Corey, Thank You For Your Service” bearing the logo of Comperatore’s fire company stood as a tribute to the respected firefighter. Along the rural road leading to the auto racing track, messages of support adorned businesses like a local credit union expressing condolences to the Comperatore family.
Comperatore, 50, served as a project and tooling engineer, was an Army reservist, and dedicated numerous years to volunteering as a firefighter, eventually rising to the position of chief. Tragically, he lost his life while shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania where an attempt on Trump’s life took place.
Kelly McCollough, the organizer of the vigil, emphasized that the event was not about politics but rather an opportunity for the community to come together to show unwavering support for the grieving Comperatore family. The focus was on unity, love, safety, clarity amidst chaos, strength, and healing.
Reflecting on his relationship with Comperatore, Collin Burke, a neighbor and former volunteer firefighter, shared that the news of Comperatore’s passing deeply affected him, triggering a sense of sadness and heartbreak. Burke remembered Comperatore as a dedicated Trump supporter and a friendly neighbor who was known for his well-maintained lawn, love for fishing, and ownership of two beloved Dobermans.
In addition to Comperatore, two others were injured during the rally: David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Copenhaver, after initially being in critical condition, was reported to have improved to serious condition on Wednesday. Trump, who also sustained injuries, has been actively participating in the Republican National Convention following the incident.
A private funeral for Comperatore was planned for Friday, with the public invited to pay their respects at a memorial in Freeport, Pennsylvania starting Thursday afternoon. The tragic loss of Comperatore has left a profound impact on the rural community, emphasizing the importance of coming together in times of adversity and tragedy.
