A powerful new memorial has been installed at the Butler Farm Show grounds, where visitors are now greeted by a life-sized bronze statue honoring Corey Comperatore, the Buffalo Township volunteer firefighter who died heroically protecting his family during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last July.
The statue was erected just in time for the 77th annual Butler Farm Show, standing prominently behind the main gate as a lasting tribute to Comperatore's sacrifice. The bronze memorial captures intimate details that reflect how his family remembers him – depicting Comperatore wearing his wedding ring, a casual shirt, and boots. The statue includes deeply personal touches: in one hand, he holds two bracelets bearing his daughters' names, while his other hand grips a Bible.
Comperatore, a dedicated family man and community volunteer, lost his life on July 13, 2024, when he shielded his wife and daughters during the violent incident at the Butler Farm Show grounds. His selfless act of protection has made him a symbol of sacrifice for both family and community.
"The statue reminds me of the day everything happened here," said Ken Laughlin, president of the Butler Farm Show board of directors, who witnessed the tragic events firsthand. "The whole show's pretty special, but this statue up front here was donated by the Comperatore family." Laughlin described Comperatore as appearing to be a "down-to-earth family guy."
The memorial serves multiple purposes for the community. "It reminds me of patriotism," Laughlin reflected while looking at the statue. "It's a good thing for Butler to come and see and be able to heal from." The statue provides a place for both remembrance and community healing following the traumatic events.
Visitors to the farm show have responded positively to the memorial. "I'm glad to be able to go see it today," said Sandy McGinnis, a Butler Farm Show attendee. "It's hard to comprehend what happened." The statue serves as both a tribute to Comperatore's family and a meaningful landmark for all who visit the fairgrounds.
The connection between Comperatore's values and the farm show's mission makes the memorial particularly fitting. "The Butler Farm Show is a family organization, we promote family values and Corey was a family man," Laughlin emphasized, highlighting why the tribute resonates so deeply with the event's core principles.
In addition to honoring Comperatore's memory, this year's Butler Farm Show has expanded its community impact through a new initiative. Butler Farm Show Inc. has launched a community outreach program designed to support local fire companies and other organizations that serve the community. The organization has committed to setting aside funds with the ambitious goal of donating $10,000 annually to these vital community services.
The bronze statue ensures that even though Corey Comperatore is no longer physically present, his spirit and legacy remain permanently embedded at the fairgrounds. The memorial stands as a testament to his character, his devotion to family, and his ultimate sacrifice in protecting those he loved most. For visitors to the Butler Farm Show, the statue serves as both a sobering reminder of the events that transpired and an inspiring example of courage and selflessness in the face of danger.
The placement of the statue at the entrance ensures that Comperatore's story and sacrifice will be remembered by thousands of visitors each year, creating a lasting legacy that honors both his memory and the values he represented.
