New Bedford Fire Union Reacts to Trump Rally Firefighter Death

The nation was stunned by images broadcast live from Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, when a gunman opened fire on a rally for former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in the upcoming national election.

The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was "neutralized" by a Secret Service sniper, but not before wreaking havoc on the thousands who had packed the rally on a hot, steamy Saturday evening.

Trump and two rallygoers suffered gunshot injuries in the assault. Another man, 50-year-old former Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, was killed.

Fox News Digital says the victim's sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, called her to bother "a hero that shielded his daughters" on her Facebook page. Comperatore sacrificed his life to protect his wife and daughters from the shooter.

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New Bedford Firefighters Local 841 President Billy Sylvia said Comperatore's death was "really sad" and the result of "senseless violence and hatred." Sylvia said Comperatore "died a hero protecting his family."

Sylvia said the "atmosphere of hatred and violence" is everywhere and "needs to stop."

"Mental health in today's world is a serious issue but only part of the problem," he said. "People need to have patience and understanding again."

Fall River firefighter Jason Burns, District 8 Vice President of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, called Comperatore's death "awful news."

There are a lot of stories of heroism in our profession and about our firefighters," Burns said. "Virtually nothing compares to what this man did."

Burns said he is "heartbroken" by what happened but he "swells with pride" knowing that "he did everything he could to protect the people who meant the most to him."

A GoFundMe authorized by Trump for the victims of Saturday's shooting surpassed its $1 million goal within hours of being posted.

"Being kind to one another goes a long way," Sylvia said.