BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — This week marks six months since gunshots rang out at now president-elect Donald Trump’s rally at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, leaving an impact on the community. The shooting triggered an immediate response from local first responders already on scene for the presidential candidate’s rally.
>> Butler County first responders will participate in President-elect Trump’s inaugural parade
“Obviously on July 13, Butler County became a part of American history,” Shawn Smith told Channel 11.
Smith, a 911 dispatcher in Butler County, remembers when the chaos unfolded. “The time we realized something had gone horribly wrong was when it got silent,” Smith said, recalling the eerie moment when phones and radios went quiet in the dispatch center.
At the scene, Nathan Blackwood, Prospect Fire Chief and EMT, described how responders quickly realized the gravity of the situation when gunfire broke out. “We immediately knew something was wrong,” Blackwood said. “We were acting as a whole, not individual departments, but as one team.”
Six months later, nearly 100 first responders from Butler County are honored with the chance to lead the inaugural parade, an opportunity to reflect on their efforts and pay tribute to Corey Comperatore, who lost his life in the shooting.
“The fact that we get to lead a presidential inauguration with his fire gear is just an honor,” Smith said. “To honor his family as well is something we are very proud of.”
As they prepare for this historic moment, Smith emphasized the pride they feel in representing their community. “They are your neighbors, your friends, your family, but they go to work every day sacrificing for their communities,” Smith said. “This will not go unnoticed. This will be seen by the world, and this is Butler County.”
The group will leave Sunday night and arrive in Washington D.C. Monday morning ahead of all the events.
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