“A true hero”: Fallen Lorain officer leaves behind
Deadly Ambush in Lorain
On July 24, Officer Phillip C. Wagner, 35, was ambushed while eating lunch with fellow officer Peter Gale, 51.
Gunman Michael Parker, 28, opened fire with multiple weapons, injuring Gale and Officer Brent Payne, 47.
Parker was killed in the shootout.
Wagner was critically wounded and died the next day surrounded by family.
A Life of Service
Wagner, a Marine veteran and father of three, had also served with Sheffield Village Police.
Days before his death, he earned his SWAT pin after a year of training.
Honored by Colleagues
“From the very beginning of his career, he was a respected and beloved member of our law enforcement family,” the department said.
Community in Mourning
Police Chief Michael Failing called Wagner “the loss of a true hero.”
The city continues to grieve as his wife and children prepare to honor his memory.
