(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania first responders kicked off the indoor parade in Washington, D.C., for President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration on Monday.
Members of local and state law enforcement and paramedics processed through the Capital One Arena, all of whom responded on July 13 when a would-be assassin opened fire at a Trump rally, killing one man and wounding another.
Corey Comperatore, 50, was a volunteer fire chief from Buffalo Twp., Pa. who died after shielding his family from the bullets. Trump was hurried off the stage mid-speech, his grazed ear bleeding down the side of his face. An iconic photo of him coming to his feet, blood streaming, and his fist raised saying, “Fight!” has inspired his supporters.
Trump has paid homage to Comperatore throughout the rest of his campaign and featured his turn-out gear on stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
At the parade, a moment of silence was held in his honor. His turn-out gear was in the procession.
In a statement issued by the Inaugural Planning Committee, Butler County First Responders said Comperatore’s death leaves the community “forever changed.”
“We hope all Americans will pause today to remember the bravery and sacrifice of their own first responders and police, the expertise of their 911 dispatchers, and the skill of their local hospital emergency and medical staff and emergency management agencies,” the group said. “We are honored to be here to represent them all, and immensely proud to salute our fellow life-savers nationwide by marching together in the Inaugural Parade today.”
