After being thrust into the national eye following an attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds on July 13, Butler County first responders will headline his second inauguration.
Nearly 100 first responders from 19 different agencies across the county will be the first group to march in Monday’s Inauguration Day parade behind the U.S. Army Band.
The contingent, consisting of first responders, firefighters and law enforcement personnel, will be led by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit.
Many of those who will be in attendance did not hesitate to risk their own lives as shots rang out. They were quick to treat the victims of the tragedy, which included Buffalo Township firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed while protecting his family from gunfire.
Corey Comperatore’s widow, Helen Comperatore, hailed the response from emergency personnel as they rushed over to assist her family.
“They were amazing that day,” she said. “What they were thrown into, and just how they reacted, was just unbelievable. My heart goes out to them as well. They were so compassionate and wonderful with my family.”
She also noted that their sacrifices are more than worthy of being lifted up during what will be a historic event for the country.
“They had a lot on their hearts too,” she added. “We met with a lot of them after everything calmed down. What they went through emotionally was very, very hard. I’m just so grateful that they get this chance to go and show themselves. I’m so proud of Butler County. My husband would have been very proud of how they were.”
Multiple teams of first responders were already in action long before the campaign rally spiraled into chaos, as they treated more than 250 patients for mostly heat-related ailments.
“I’m immensely proud of our responders and am humbly part of them,” said Butler County 911 Coordinator Robert McLafferty. “The actions that they took that day were just truly awe-inspiring. Without concern for their own safety, they went right in to take care of the folks who needed immediate care.”
Kevin Hulbert, who is associated with an organization called “The Patriot Flag,” contacted Trump’s inaugural committee with the idea of sending Butler’s first responders to the inauguration before reaching out to multiple county officials, including Commissioners Leslie Osche and Kim Geyer, and Sheriff Mike Slupe.
Eventually, that message reached McLafferty, who worked with Hulbert and Butler Memorial Hospital’s Jenna Enscoe to acquire security clearances for all attendees and devise a comprehensive travel plan.
In addition to honoring the first responders for their efforts, Monday’s inauguration parade will provide another opportunity to honor Corey Comperatore for his bravery. Representatives from the Buffalo Township Volunteer Department will lead the procession while carrying his fire helmet and jacket.
“We are forever changed by the devastating loss of our fellow first responder Corey Comperatore,” the trio of Hulbert, McLafferty and Enscoe wrote in a statement to President-elect Trump’s inaugural committee. “We remember past fire chief Comperatore today and forever, as we honor others, including President Trump, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who survived this murderous attack.
“We hope all Americans will pause today to remember the bravery and sacrifice of their own first responders and police, the expertise of their 911 dispatchers, and the skill of their local hospital emergency and medical staff and emergency management agencies.”
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