Former President Donald Trump survived the assassination attempt against him last Saturday at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
But firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed and two men, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were wounded.
Comperatore’s funeral took place on Friday.
What would you do in the last moments of your life? Comperatore was a hero; his last words according to his wife, his childhood sweetheart, were “Get down!” as he threw himself over his family to shield them from the bullets. But he was also a hero in how he lived his life, as a firefighter and as a good husband and father.
“Above all, Corey was the quintessential family man and the best girl dad,” his obituary states. “His love for his wife Helen Comperatore was a testament to the power of partnership and devotion. Together, they raised two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore, who will carry forward his spirit of compassion.”
Comperatore was a project and tooling engineer. He also served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, and had also been the chief of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department.
Trump honored him at the RNC this week, with Comperatore’s firefighter jacket and helmet on the stage sent by his wife. Trump kissed his helmet. His name on his jacket was misspelled because they could only fit a certain number of letters on the jacket; it had been that way for years. What a weighty thought it must be, that this is a man who lost his life in an assassination attempt meant for you.
“He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets… what a fine man he was,” Trump said during his RNC speech on Thursday. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others.
“This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”
A procession of firetrucks and EMS vehicles came in a motorcade to the Cabot United Methodist Church. People lined the surrounding streets with American flags and signs for Comperatore, saying that they loved him and “RIP.” Comperatore’s American flag-draped casket was carried atop his firetruck:
Trump did not attend because of Secret Service concerns. He sent a note of condolence from himself and his wife Melania. He’d also spoken with the family. Corey’s wife, Helen Comperatore, said he was “very kind,” and said he would continue to call her.
