Several law enforcement agencies work the crime scene at the Butler Farm Show grounds after then candidate President Donald Trump was shot at during a political rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Connoquenessing Township. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

A group of 33 state police officers received the Governor’s Awards of Excellence for their response to July 13, 2024, assassination attempt of then-candidate President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Connoquenessing Township.

The annual awards recognize state employees and groups of employees who show initiative, leadership and increased efficiency. The state troopers and two police communications operators are one of nine groups, and two individuals, selected from 125 nominations.

The troopers included in the group were Ryan Boughter, Travis Buckshire, Vincent Buonpane, Gesuele Burello, Christopher Callaghan, Joseph Daransky, James David Jr., Andrew Dindinger, Joshua Fachet, Matthew Falcone, Richard Giustini, Kurtis Glasgow, Michael Graham, John Herold, Jeffrey Johns Jr., Donald Kotuby Jr., Martin Mihelic, Michael Miller, Timothy Morando, Daniel Mosura Jr., Mark Neugebauer, Joseph Olayer, Clinton Painter, Joseph Pokorny, Amelia Russin, Eric Stadterman, John Stutz, Brian Tanner, Michael Taylor, David Thompson and Eric Young.

The police communications operators included were James Copeland Jr. and Sharon Weigle.

The troopers were recognized “for their heroic actions to protect the public and aid victims following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler County,” according to the June 24 release.

During the attack, Butler County resident Corey Comperatore was fatally shot and two other rally spectators, David Dutch, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, were seriously injured by gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed by a U.S. Secret Service sniper.

“The Governor’s Awards for Excellence are one of the highest honors a Commonwealth employee can earn, and this year’s winners remind us why,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Their actions have delivered real results for our communities, improved how government works, and made life better for the people of Pennsylvania — their accomplishments embody what public service is all about.”