Plush Buffalos honor memory of PA fire chief killed in Trump rally shooting

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Central Pennsylvania organization had a special gift for the community and family of a former volunteer fire chief who was shot and killed while attending a rally for Donald Trump.

In the wake of the July 13 tragedy in Butler, PA, the “Because We Care Foundation” located in Altoona, PA offered a special gift of kindness. Stuffed plush buffalos, made in memory of Corey Comperatore, brought both tears and smiles to the Buffalo Township Fire Department.

Firefighters and police will now be armed with plush buffalos to gift to children who are going through trauma.

“The fact that this is just so small compared to so many other things. But the fact that his life and his testimony are going to live on. The children that are hurting, that’s huge. You guys will be able to see that for many, many years to come,” Because We Care Foundation President Jessica Digennaro said.

It’s a small gesture that means much more.

“Small, but this is something that he would have loved, you know, something like this. This is something that he would have just loved. So don’t think it’s small because this would have meant the world to him,” Comperatore’s widow Helen said.

The idea behind the buffalos is bittersweet. Sparked by tragedy, but inspired by one man’s service to others.

“In that obituary, it just was his testimony of how he lived his life,” Digennaro said. “A selfless man who loved God, who loved Jesus and dedicated his life to help others. He always led with love. Evil took place. Good is going to happen because of that evil.”

Leading with love while impacting the lives of many. The buffalos are a heartwarming gift that means even more to those who know firsthand the trauma of fear and loss.

“It’s amazing. The community and people around the world have done for him. This is very heartwarming,” Helen said.

The buffalos themselves are filled with much more than stuffing. They will now serve as a legacy of love for Corey and his community.

“I see similarities as he was such a family man and willing to help children as with being a fireman in the past and to have this extend his legacy not only in the fire department with helping the community. I think it’s such a great cause,” Buffalo Township Police Department Chief Tim Derringer said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.