Lorain, Ohio – “His first priority was his family. Always. “He was happiest when he was with his family,” Megan Wagner, the sister of fallen Lorain officer Phillip Wagner, stated. “He also enjoyed being a police officer. He aimed to be the best officer he could be.
Officer Wagner was a devoted husband, a loving father of three young children, and the best brother Megan and Andrew Wagner could have hoped for.
He also devoted his life to protecting others.
He served two tours in the United States Marine Corps, including one in Afghanistan.
“He was driven solely by the desire to serve,” Andrew Wagner said.
Andrew and Megan also completed tours abroad.
Andrew’s older brother made sure he knew he was with him right before he was deployed.
“Phil had been out of the military at that point but he came with my mom and dad to see us off and there was a photo that was snapped of him just talking to me about what to expect and just having that backing and support from him it helped with my mission when I was there,” according to Andrew Wagner.
On July 24, Officer Wagner was killed in the line of duty while protecting his community.
“When it came to Phil, there was some peace because we knew that he set out what he wanted to do and for him he accomplished his mission,” claimed Andrew Wagner. “He protected a lot of people that day.”
In the days and weeks following his death, communities throughout Northeast Ohio banded together to show their appreciation for his sacrifice.
“The other piece of it is the incredible support that we received from the community,” Mr. Wagner said. “The Lorain Police Department were a tremendous asset to just making sure all of us were ok.”
Andrew and Megan are carrying on their brother’s mission of caring for his family.
“We tell so many stories,” Megan Wagner said. “We have so many when Phil was a kid all the way up until recent times.”
The Wagners also discussed how they want their brother to be remembered.
“He’s a hero, for starters. I believe that goes without saying, as does his sacrifice not only to his country, but also to his community,” Andrew Wagner stated. “He was a loving father, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful brother—the best brother for all of us. I see his legacy inspiring others not only to join the police force, but also to serve their communities to the best of their abilities.
