Lorain Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Thursday, July 24, 2025
Reflections for Police Officer Phillip C. Wagner
I will never forget your service to your community. You chose a profession that thinks of others first and that is a brave and noble choice. Rest easy, Hero.
Your family will always have my deepest sympathy.
PJ
Civilian, California
September 27, 2025
Thank you for your service, Officer Phillip Wagner.
You made the ultimate sacrifice while serving & protecting your community.
Condolences to your Family, Friends & Colleagues.
Rest in Eternal Peace
Thank you,
Sergeant
NYPD
September 25, 2025
The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.
There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown
"Semper Fi"
Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 4, 2025
Today, we honor the life and sacrifice of Officer Phillip C. Wagner of the Lorain Police Department, Ohio. On July 23, 2024, Officer Wagner was ambushed in his patrol vehicle — an attack fueled by the dangerous anti-police culture spreading across America. He was not just an officer, but a Marine, a husband, and a father of three.
This tribute shines a light on his courage, his service, and the devastating reality our officers face every day. May we never forget his sacrifice.
"Hollywood" Henry Morris
September 2, 2025
Rest in peace brother.
Reserve Officer Steve Du
Retired
August 9, 2025
To the family,
I am sorry for your loss. The life of Police Officer Phillip Wagner mattered, and it mattered greatly. Surely, the LORD will remember his sacrifice.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13, NIV
Chaplain Dr. J Gayle Gaymon
Christian Chaplians and Coaches
August 9, 2025
On behalf of Point 27, we would like to offer condolences for Officer Phillip Wagner. Please know we are eternally grateful for Phillip’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.
To honor Officer Phillip Wagner, Point 27 sent 125 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Lorain Police Department in Lorain, Ohio for Phillip’s partner and fellow officers. Point 27 also sent Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Officer Phillip Wagner’s family.
Point 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, with God’s Word inscribed on Shields of Strength jewelry.
We will never forget and we are forever grateful for Phillip.
Respectfully,
Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-Point 27
Linda Rhodes
Surviving Wife of Detective Jerry M. Rhodes, Dallas Police Department Retired
Point 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
linrhodes@yahoo.com
972-978-5325
Linda Rhodes
August 7, 2025
May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends
James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian
August 7, 2025
On behalf of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, we offer our heartfelt condolences. Officer Wagner's courage and dedication to both his country and community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and community as they navigate this profound loss.
Office of Victim Services - Mandy Kimner
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
August 6, 2025
May God's hand of peace and comfort be on the surviving family and the rest of the Department.
Chaplain Jesse White
Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D
August 1, 2025
There are no words adequate to express my sorry at your passing nor for comfort for your department, family and friends.
Rest in peace, Officer Wagner, we have the watch. Thank you for your service.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13 (NKJV)
Officer David Adams, (Retired)
NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement
August 1, 2025
for the 3rd time in 2 years I have watched & cried somber tears for another warrior as the slow funeral procession of a true hero progresses in front of my eyes. Jacob Derbin, Jamison Ritter & now Phillip Wagner. Will this madness never end? Rest peacefully Phillip. Your brothers & sisters have your watch.
Deborah A Zieleniewski
Supporting Officers Worldwide, Parma, Ohio
July 31, 2025
Requiescat in Paces
Sergeant (Retire Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD
July 31, 2025
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Officer Phillip Wagner. Phil and I served in the Marine Corps, 2/2, together, and he was one of my best friends. We deployed to Afghanistan together and constantly spent our downtime hanging out and playing video games. There is not a memory I have of Phil where he isn’t smiling and enjoying life! You will be deeply missing my brother! Rest in Peace!! Semper Fidelis!!
Jeremy Smith
July 31, 2025
I want to thank you Officer Wagner for your service to the country and to the citizens of Lorain Ohio. I’m not in law enforcement but you don’t have to be to share your reflections.
John Cramer
No affiliation
July 30, 2025
Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.
Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD (Retired)
July 30, 2025
Phil, We’ll take it from here. Rest Peacefully!
Deputy Sheriff Robert Dvoroznak (retire)
Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office
July 30, 2025
Thank you Officer Wager for your service and sacrifice. RIP brother
Trooper Joe Dellwo (Retired)
Minnesota State Patrol
July 30, 2025
Rest In Peace Brother.
Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired
July 29, 2025
Dear Chief of Police James P. McCann:
I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Police Officer Phillip C. Wagner, a brave and dedicated lawman.
The news of Officer Wagner’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Wagner’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.
In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Officer Wagner had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
To you, Chief McCann, and the entire Lorain Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.
Having served 46+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.
May the memories of Officer Wagner be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.
With deepest sympathy,
Chief (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr. DrE, PGP, PP, PM
July 29, 2025
Lord God, I come before You today grieved in heart over the senseless deaths of America's Peace Officers, in the Line-of-Duty, whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that America's Peace Officers have a sacred task to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Please grant Comfort, Hope, and Encouragement to their families, who are left behind to pickup the shattered pieces of their lives. Please make them whole again.
For all those of us who are left behind, our hearts are heavy with grief, and the weight of loss leaves us feeling so vulnerable and alone. There are moments when the sadness feels overwhelming, and we don't know what to do or how to move forward. But I do know that You, O Lord, see our pain and You are close to us in our sorrow.
Hold us in Your loving arms, O Lord, and comfort us in Your Presence. Let us feel Your Peace in the midst of our heartache and the quiet assurance that we are not walking this path alone. Father God, wipe away our tears and remind us of the HOPE we have in You. You, O Lord, are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.
Teach us, Heavenly Father, how to carry this loss of another American Peace Officer, in the Line-of-Duty, without losing HOPE. Help us to release our pain into Your most capable and loving hands, trusting that You are working even in the hardest moments. When the grief feels too much to bear, fill us with the courage to face each day and the faith to keep moving forward.
Thank You for Your unfailing love and for being the God who sees us, holds us, and walks with us. We place our sorrows into Your godly hands and rest in the HOPE that You will bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus' Name, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.
Promises from God's Word:
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4);
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God's children." (Matthew 5:9);
[Jesus Proclaimed:] "The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends." (John 15:13), and;
[Jesus Promised:] "Then he said, "Jesus remember me when you enter your kingdom." Jesus said to him, "I can guarantee this truth: Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent CGOM Clergy No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
July 29, 2025
We will never forget
Lieutenant (Retired) Timothy Long LBPD C
Long Beach PD CA
July 29, 2025
Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. My condolences to Officer Wagner's family, colleagues and friends. May you rest in peace.
Richard S.
Appreciative citizen
July 29, 2025
A Prayer for a Suffering Family, Friends, and Comrades of a Fallen American Peace Officer:
Lord God of unfailing love, to those families in our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of an American Peace Officer family member, help us to provide encouragement, support, and hope. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, please hear my prayer. In the mighty and holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 CSB)
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
July 28, 2025
May God bless you Officer Phillip Wagner, your family, Police Department and the citizens of Lorain. There is absolutely no reason for this senseless tragedy but we all stand with you and your family. Job well done. Rest in peace.
Jeffrey Groh Executive Liaison
Indiana Department of Correction (Ret. ATF ASAC)
July 28, 2025

