Trump rally shooting victim Corey Comperatore was firefighter, died protecting family
Friends, family, a fire department, and even the governor and president are remembering Corey Comperatore.
He is remembered as a hero for shielding his family from gunfire at the rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylania, on Saturday. That action is something one of his fellow firefighters said was very much his character.
"Oh, most definitely. It wouldn’t even surprise me if it was a complete stranger if he did the same exact thing for," said Craig Cirrincione, the second lieutenant of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department in Butler County.
Comperatore was a father, husband, volunteer firefighter, and someone who everyone we spoke to described as a truly good man.
"He was a real good guy. He really was. You hear stories all the time that it’s always the good ones that end up getting taken out, and unfortunately, that’s what happened," said Matthew Achilles, who lived near Comperatore.
Video above: Who is Corey Comperatore? Man killed at Trump rally remembered as a hero
Comperatore just hit his 30-year mark with the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department. He even served as captain for the department for a few years. It was his dedication to his family that made Comperatore take a back seat and just continue on as an active firefighter.
In a statement to Pittsburgh sister station WTAE, Richard Hill, the Buffalo Township manager, said:
"The Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors is deeply saddened by the loss of Corey Comperatore. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Comperatore family, and all those affected by Saturday's violence. Corey was a dedicated husband, father, friend, and volunteer to the community, and will be sorely missed.”
Now, Comperatore is being remembered for his willingness to go above and beyond for everyone around him.
"He was a good man. He’d take his shirt off his back for anyone," Cirrincione said.
"He helped us out when I was real sick a couple years ago. I was in the hospital and almost died. Corey was one of the first people to message me and say hey, how can I help you," Achilles said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke with the Comperatore's wife and two daughters Sunday afternoon before a news conference at the Butler Township Police Department headquarters.
Comperatore was described as a girl dad and a firefighter. Shapiro said he was an avid supporter of the former president and was excited to attend the rally on Saturday.
"Most especially, Corey loved his family," Shapiro said. Comperatore's wife shared with the governor that her husband died a hero.
Video above: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks after Trump rally attack
"Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing," Shapiro said.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. As of 11 a.m. Monday, it had already raised over $900,000.