‘He lived for his family, and he died protecting them,’ Comperatore’s sister told Newsweek.
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.
