A Buffalo Township venue known for the roar of dozens of race car engines and cheers of thousands of fans was a haven for hundreds of mourners of a late fire chief who lost his life protecting his family.
There were several moments of silence in memory of Corey Comperatore on Wednesday evening at Lernerville Speedway.
The 50-year-old father of two was fatally shot at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler County on Saturday.
He died covering his family from gunshots federal authorities said were fired by Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park. A man from Plum and another from Moon were seriously wounded.
The song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe played as family and friends lit their candles and turned on cellphone lights. Friends said it was Comperatore’s favorite tune.
Photos of the 1992 Freeport Area High School graduate, his family and dogs were shown on the video screen in the middle of the race track.
The event was organized by family friend Kelly McCullough.
“It was very heartwarming and powerful and intimate,” she said of the turnout. “It was nice to see the strength and resiliency that they shown.”
There were multiple speakers throughout the evening.
Contemporary Christian singer Curt Marino brought many attendees to tears with his performances in between speeches and readings of condolences from people who could not attend.
The Rev. John Neyman of SonRise Community Church offered prayer, led moments of silence and delivered message based on Psalm 23.
“It’s a time of collective mourning,” Neyman said. “A time that we can grieve; a time that we can get together; a time we can support one another … to find some kind of comfort in the midst of our presence here.”
Both Neyman and McCullough stressed the need for people to set differences aside and show love to one another.
Friend Dan Ritter talked about how he and Comperatore were very much alike and held family, faith and freedom in high regard.
Ritter said he was asked to speak because Comperatore’s best friend could not.
“His best friend that he hung out with the most, after his family, was his fishing rod,” Ritter said. “If his fishing rod could only speak, I’m sure we’d all be hearing some great fishing stories.”
Messages from one of Comperatore’s high school teachers and Freeport Fire Chief Richard Swartz were read.
Comperatore’s obituary was also read at the vigil.
There was heavy rain for a few hours leading up to the vigil. It let up within a half hour of the program and the sun attempted to peer through the clouds behind the grandstands.
The benches were wet and the walkways were muddy, but that didn’t stop people from taking their seats.
Buffalo Township Supervisor Michael Oehling was among the vigil participants.
“Everybody should be here,” he said. “This man died protecting his family and he gave so much to his community. … He’s always helped everybody. He lived right up the road from me. I got to talk with him a couple of times and could just tell he was a great guy. I’m here for him and the community.
“We’re just in shock,” he said. “It’s been a crazy week. I can’t imagine what his family is going through. All we can do is be here for support.”
Someone exclaimed, “God Bless Corey. See you in the afterlife,” as people were making their way from the stands.
