By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
BUTLER, Pa. — The memory of former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, who was killed during an assassination attempt at a Donald Trump campaign rally in July, was honored at the former president’s second rally in Butler.
The rally, held on Oct. 5, featured memorials, artwork, and prayers, with the crowd repeatedly chanting Comperatore’s name, Newsweek reported.
At the beginning of the rally, Trump asked for a moment of silence to honor Comperatore. Classical singer Christopher Macchio performed “Ave Maria” as a bell tolled simultaneously with the start of gunfire on July 13. Among those in attendance were several of Comperatore’s family members, including his widow, Helen, who stood alongside Lara Trump during the former president’s remarks.
At the rally, Comperatore’s Buffalo Township coat and helmet were prominently displayed in the top left corner of the stands, surrounded by roses and gladioluses as a tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Artist Scott LoBaido took the stage to unveil a painting of Comperatore, prompting the crowd to chant “Corey, Corey, Corey” in unison.
The chants of the fallen firefighter’s name resonated throughout the rally, a moving reminder of his impact on the community.
Firefighters battling a two-alarm blaze around 3:30 a.m. Thursday kept heavy smoke and flames confined to the rear addition of the Happy Garden restaurant on North Seventh Street, as residents in the apartments above escaped safely