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Life-size statue honors Pa. firefighter killed in Trump rally shooting

A bronze statue of Corey Comperatore now greets visitors at the Butler Farm Show, honoring the volunteer firefighter who died protecting his family

BUTLER, Pa. — A life-size bronze statue of former fire chief Corey Comperatore now stands just inside the entrance to the Butler Farm Show, greeting visitors as they enter the venue.

Installed ahead of the 77th annual Butler Farm Show in early August, the monument honors the volunteer firefighter’s ultimate sacrifice for his family and community during the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, serving as a poignant symbol of courage and selflessness on the showgrounds.

| MORE: ‘The ultimate sacrifice’: Chief Comperatore died protecting others

The sculpture depicts Comperatore in a casual shirt and boots, his wedding ring visible. One hand holds two bracelets engraved with his daughters’ names, while the other grasps a Bible, CBS Pittsburgh reported.

Ken Laughlin, president of the Butler Farm Show board, recalls Corey Comperatore as a down-to-earth family man. Laughlin, who was on the grounds during the 2024 July tragedy, said the life-size bronze, donated by the Comperatore family, now stands at the gate as a powerful reminder of that day.

“It reminds me of patriotism,” he said, noting that the statue offers the Butler community a place to gather and heal.

Butler Farm Show Inc. has launched a community outreach fund aimed at supporting local fire departments and other service organizations, earmarking up to $10,000 in donations annually.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.