Hundreds of individuals gathered in Sarver, Pennsylvania, to pay tribute to former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life at a rally for former President Donald Trump over the weekend. The event, held at Lernerville Speedway, aimed to promote unity and healing in the community following the violent incident.
The vigil, which took place on Wednesday, marked the first of two planned events to honor Comperatore’s life. A visitation for friends was scheduled for Thursday at Laube Hall in Freeport. Signs expressing gratitude and condolences lined the route to the vigil, illustrating the community’s support for the Comperatore family.
Described as a dedicated project and tooling engineer, an Army reservist, and a longtime volunteer firefighter, Comperatore, 50, bravely shielded his wife and daughter from the gunfire during the rally. Vigil organizer Kelly McCollough emphasized that the gathering was not meant to be political, but rather a display of solidarity for the grieving family.
During the event, Dan Ritter delivered a heartfelt eulogy, highlighting Comperatore’s commitment to his family and his courageous actions on the day of the shooting. Friends and colleagues praised Comperatore’s infectious smile and unwavering optimism, detailing his impact on those around him.
Local fire department member Jeff Lowers shared fond memories of training alongside Comperatore, while a close friend read touching remarks from his high school teacher. Pastor Jonathan Fehl commended the community for rallying around the family in their time of need, acknowledging the overwhelming global support they have received.
The vigil concluded with a touching tribute as attendees lit candles and raised cellphones, glow sticks, and lighters while “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe played in the background. Reminiscent photos of Comperatore and his loved ones were displayed on a screen, honoring his memory and legacy.
Updates were provided regarding the conditions of the two individuals injured in the incident, who were reported to be in serious but stable condition as of Wednesday night. The statement from David Dutch’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes from the community and beyond.
Former President Donald Trump, who sustained a minor ear injury during the rally, has since continued his engagements, including participation in the Republican National Convention. The broader community, both locally and globally, has come together to mourn the loss of Corey Comperatore and support those affected by the tragic events.
