Friends and neighbors are remembering firefighter Corey Comperatore, the man tragically killed during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, as a devoted family man who served his community and was always quick to help friends in need.

Corey Comperatore, a 35-year-old from Butler, Pennsylvania, attended the rally as part of Trump’s 2024 reelection effort. He was one of 10,000 people who attended the rally in the battleground state. He died heroically trying to protect his family, according to Governor Josh Shapiro. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed his identity on Sunday.

Authorities have identified the gunman in Saturday’s attack as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene. The FBI is investigating the attack as an assassination attempt.

Governor Shapiro, who directed flags to be flown at half-staff in Comperatore’s memory, said he spoke to Comperatore’s wife and two daughters on Sunday. Shapiro praised Corey, saying, “Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family.”

Corey’s widow, Helen Comperatore, shared with the New York Post her husband’s last words, spoken as he shielded his family from the bullets that ultimately took his life. “He’s my hero,” Helen said. “He just said, ‘Get down!’ That was the last thing he said.”

Corey Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, called him “the best dad a girl could ever ask for” and said he died as a “real-life superhero.” On Facebook, she shared, “He threw my mom and me to the ground and shielded my body from the bullet that came at us.”

Mike Morehouse, a neighbor, expressed his admiration for Corey, calling him a hero and stating his intention to vote in the upcoming election in Corey’s memory. “As soon as I heard what happened and learned that it was Corey, I went upstairs and registered to vote. This is the first time I’ve ever voted, and I think it will be in his memory.”

Corey’s dedication to his community extended beyond his family. He was a respected firefighter and a former fire chief. The Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company hung Corey’s uniform outside the fire station in a memorial to his life. “Our company is dealing with a tragic loss that not only is affecting our members, but this community and Corey’s family and friends,” the fire company said on Facebook, also calling Corey “a brother, son, husband, father, and friend.”

In the wake of this tragedy, the community has rallied to support Corey’s family. A GoFundMe campaign for Comperatore’s family, verified by the platform, collected more than $1 million by Monday evening of the Republican National Committee. 

Corey Comperatore’s life was one of dedication, love, and sacrifice. He leaves behind a legacy of service to his community and unwavering love for his family. As the nation mourns his loss, Corey’s heroism and the impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten.