Buffalo Township Supervisor Gary Risch described Fire Chief Corey Comperatore as “an excellent man, great father, great to his wife, great to his kids—just a super guy,” in an interview reflecting on the community’s loss and resilience following his murder during the attempted assassination of President Trump in Butler, Pa.
Risch, who has served in Buffalo Township’s local government for years, said Comperatore was deeply involved in his community and dedicated to public service. “He was fire chief for years and did a lot for the township,” Risch said. “On a scale of one to 10, as far as being a good person and good for the community, I would definitely give him a 10-plus.”
The rural township, which includes the Lernerville Speedway in Sarver where Comperatore handled fire safety and training, continues to honor his memory. “He’s still very much on our minds. They had a huge ceremony for him at the track, motorcycle rides—they’re raising money,” according to Risch. “His wife’s giving it to charity; there are such a great family.”
Risch said while the assassination attempt on President Trump in nearby Butler put the region under an unwanted national spotlight, Buffalo Township residents are focusing on what unites them. “That was really in Butler,” he said. “It wasn’t here.”
He described Buffalo Township as one of the best places to live in western Pennsylvania. “Other than the Butler Fair, this racetrack brings more money into the county than anything else,” he noted. “Everybody wants to live here because we have a good school district. Houses don’t last a week when they go on sale.”
Proud of his community’s spirit and resilience, Risch said the township remains strong in the face of tragedy. “It’s just a good rural area,” he said. “One of the best places to be.”