Corey Comperatore: A Hero Who Is Not Forgotten

This was a lovely article. I saw a report about the memorial ride on TV and hope the event helped to comfort Helen Comperatore and her family. They deserve to know that Corey is remembered, and they also deserve answers on how this tragic shooting was allowed to happen.

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Newsweek, 7/12/25:

Thousands Honor Trump Rally Victim Corey Comperatore on Butler Anniversary

"More than 1,000 motorcyclists rode through western Pennsylvania to honor Corey Comperatore Saturday, a year after the devoted firefighter and father died while protecting his family from a gunman who had Donald Trump in his crosshairs.

"The memorial motorcycle ride dubbed "Corey's Cruise" departed early Saturday from Freeport High School in Sarver, where Comperatore, 50, graduated in 1992 before serving 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He later served as chief of the Buffalo Township Fire Department — continuing his passion of public service and selflessness that never wavered, several participants told Newsweek on the scene.

"Steve Magoc, a veteran firefighter in Sarver, said he was blown away by the massive display of solidarity for Comperatore, his former friend of 15 years, as well as his widow, Helen, and two daughters, Kaylee and Allyson Comperatore, who led the lengthy procession in a white Ford Mustang convertible.

"Just coming out to show the family support," Magoc, 41, said. "It's big. I've done a couple big rides and this is the biggest I've ever seen."

"The huge turnout proves Comperatore's impact throughout Butler County and beyond remains as intense as ever, Magoc said. Some riders hailed from as far away as West Virginia, other attendees told Newsweek.

"Karen Walker, 70, of Saxonburg, participated in Saturday's ride from Sarver to Russellton with her brother and his dog. She didn't know Comperatore personally, but withstood Saturday's summer heat to pay her respects to the fallen father of two.

"The tragedy of his death and with our president, his resilience, has caused a wave of support and national pride," Walker told Newsweek. "He'd be overwhelmed."

"Jerry and Karen Bowser, of Grove City, said they weren't surprised by the droves of men, women and children who descended upon western Pennsylvania for the memorial ride. 

"It was great," Karen Bowser said afterward. "Corey was fantastic. He was my neighbor at one point in my life and he was just a great man."

"Dave Smith, 57, of Peters Township, south of Pittsburgh, said he decided to pay respect to Comperatore by getting back on his motorcycle for the just the second time following recent leg surgery.

"I thought it was a real good cause," Smith said. "The respect for the man that's being honored today, Corey. He had a lot of hometown backing, so it just seemed like a good thing to do."

"Smith said Comperatore would "absolutely" be astounded by the sizeable crowd, including bikers who traveled from out of state.

"A lot of strangers, people that didn't know him," Smith continued. "I talked to people who came from the Poconos, from deep West Virginia, to take part in this ride. It seems like the word got around and a lot of people thought it was a good cause and a good reason to get out and spend a day on the bike with fellow riders

"Comperatore, a devout Christian who adored his family and two Dobermans, died while shielding his wife and daughters from bullets fired by would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who had been perched atop the rooftop of a building adjacent to the rally stage last July 13.

"The eight shots fired by Crooks roughly 150 yards away also wounded then-candidate Trump, as well as David Dutch, 58, and 74-year-old James Copenhaver.

A Celebration of Song

"A daylong concert in Russellton followed Saturday's memorial ride, featuring country musician Gary Burk III, a Butler County native who penned "Until We Meet Again" in honor of Comperatore.

"And through that process, we ended up putting together the cruise, the concert and everything else to honor the life and legacy of Corey Comperatore," Burk told Newsweek prior to his Saturday evening set. "Over the last year, I've got to know Helen and the girls pretty well and what an amazing family."

"Riders paid $30 to register each bike and $20 per passenger. Burk said all proceeds from the celebration of Comperatore's life will support causes he cherished, including first responders, churches and Doberman rescue organizations.

"We're honoring America's hero," Burk said. "And we're doing that through the means of a memorial ride followed by a day of unity with music and live entertainment. The ultimate goal here is keeping his legacy alive and that Corey's never forgotten for the sacrifices he made — not only on July 13 but throughout his entire life being a volunteer fireman."

'Still Too Difficult'

"Comperatore's mother, Karen Schafer Bird, and sisters, Kelly Comperatore Meeder and Dawn Comperatore Schafer, did not attend Saturday's events. The agony of his absence remains too overwhelming, Comperatore Meeder told Newsweek.

"This is all, still, too difficult for my mother," she said. "She buried her only son. The 'baby' of our family. She's really not up to 'celebrating' anything, especially in crowds of people. In fact, she struggles daily with his death. It's really taken a visible toll on her."

"Comperatore Meeder, who has been outspoken in her frustration over the lack of answers about the Secret Service response that day, said the trio honored Corey's "lifesaving legacy" during a two-day blood drive in April.

"We simply wanted people to save another person in his honor," she said. "Nothing big or flashy, no real fanfare. Just a humble plea to save someone's life. Not by reaching into your pocket and giving anyone money, but giving the very thing that will save someone's life."

"More than 190 units were donated as part of the blood drive in Freeport, Pennsylvania, organizers told Newsweek. Comperatore Meeder said she hopes to make the event an annual push with national reach. 

"We know that my brother would be so proud of that," she said. "People who are very moved by what happened to my brother and want to feel like they can somehow contribute — they can make a difference. Blood donors are everyday heroes."

"Corey, in contrast, didn't consider himself to be especially courageous, despite protecting his family from gunfire during his final moments, Comperatore Meeder said.

"I know my brother," she said. "He was humble. He lived a quiet life. He would tell you that he is not a hero. He would tell you that he did what any good father would have done. He took that bullet for his little girl. And if he had to do it again, he would. He'd do it again and again. His girls were his entire world.

"He lived for his family, and he died protecting them."