Statue of Corey Comperatore’s turnout gear travels between county fire departments
While the Butler Farm Show grounds is host to a permanent statue dedicated to Corey Comperatore, many of the county’s fire departments will temporarily host a second statue remembering his service as a firefighter.
The statue depicts Corey Comperatore’s turnout gear — protective equipment for firefighting, including his jacket and helmet. It has been hosted at a few fire stations across the county and will move around on a monthly basis.
Corey Comperatore was shot and killed on July 13, 2024, while attending a campaign rally for then-candidate President Donald Trump. He died shielding his wife, Helen Comperatore, and their two adult daughters from the gunfire.
The statue was first showcased during a parade in Saxonburg in July. It temporarily sat in the South Butler Community Library, but Helen Comperatore and her family had a different idea.
“We decided it would be awesome to have the fire companies pass it around. It’s a brotherhood, and they’re all a part of that brotherhood,” she said.
The statue was first hosted by the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company before moving to Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s station. Currently, it resides in Butler Township Volunteer Fire District’s Lyndora station.
“This past month, SVFC hosted a statue in memory of fellow first responder Corey Comperatore, which was on display in our ballroom and club room foyer during October’s dinners and public events,” Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company said in a Facebook post on Friday, Nov. 7.
Helen Comperatore, Corey’s widow, said she was glad to hear how many people got to see the statue during different events hosted by Saxonburg fire and especially loved getting to take a picture with the crew.
“We took this photo where we are all touching one another, and that was meant for unity. We’re all united for Corey, just like we were for the [Corey’s] Cruise,” she said.
She added that it warmed her heart when almost every fire department in the area said they’d be glad to host the statue for a month or so.
“It means everything to me,” Helen Comperatore said. “I know I talk a lot about how Corey was very private and didn’t really want the attention, but it’s that brotherhood,” she said.
She thanked every fire department that is interested in participating for holding Corey Comperatore’s memory sacred and taking care of the statue while it is in their stead. She also thanked the statue’s creator, Christopher Tomko, for deciding to remember him through such a statue.
