PITTSBURGH — The former fire chief for Buffalo Township, Corey Comperatore, was the person killed in the crowd at the Trump rally in Butler County, Channel 11 has learned.
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Comperatore is being remembered on social media by family members, friends and colleagues of the firefighting community. He had retired from the fire department, but remained well-known in the community.
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Two other people in the crowd were critically wounded during the shooting Saturday and are currently being treated at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Gov. Josh Shapiro in a press conference on Sunday afternoon said he has spoken with Comperatore’s wife, who wanted the public to know that he “died a hero.” She said Comperatore dove on top of his family to protect them when the shots were fired.
Mark Lauer, a past president of the Butler County Fire Chiefs Association, also sent a statement to Channel 11, reiterating how he put “everyone and everything first before himself.”
“Corey put everyone and everything first before himself. It showed in his leadership as Fire Chief, Husband, Father, and Son. He died a hero because he was a hero. Putting others first. Butler Counties Emergency Service Family is less today without him. God speed, Corey. You will sorely be missed,” Lauer said.
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh also issued a statement on the death of Comperatore saying:
“Our hearts are heavy with the news that a man from Butler, a former fire chief known for his courage and commitment to his community, lost his life while heroically shielding his wife and daughters from harm. Corey Comperatore’s selfless act in the face of danger speaks to his strength of character, deep faith, and dedication to serving others. On behalf of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. We join in prayer that they may feel wrapped in the comfort and love of Jesus. Let us also take this moment to pray for unity and an end to violence and inflammatory rhetoric in our community and across our nation. May our Lord grant Mr. Comperatore’s family peace and may this brave man’s soul rest in eternal light.”
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